Exodus 18:20
and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that teaching God's ways isn't just about rules, but about showing the path people must walk and the specific work they are called to do. It’s a holistic approach, encompassing both the divine instructions and the practical outworking of faith in daily life.
Moses has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people coming to him daily with their disputes and questions about God. His father-in-law, Jethro, witnesses this and advises Moses that this system is unsustainable for both him and the people. Jethro proposes a new structure where Moses will teach the laws and statutes, and then able men will handle the daily judgments, only bringing the most difficult cases to Moses.
It's one thing to know the rules, but another to actually do them. Moses' task wasn't just about teaching, but about shaping lives.
This verse breaks down the shepherd's duty into four crucial parts:
The key here is that knowledge must lead to action. It wasn't enough for people to hear God's commands; they had to walk in them and do the work required. This is a powerful reminder that our faith isn't just intellectual assent; it's meant to be lived out.
Before Jethro's wise counsel, Moses was overwhelmed. But God's design for leadership is practical, effective, and rooted in His character.
Jethro's advice, which Moses heeded, reveals a God-ordained structure for justice and leadership:
Understand the original words
zāhar · Hebrew Verb
To admonish, caution, or instruct clearly, often with a sense of urgency. It involves conveying authoritative knowledge to prevent error or to ensure adherence to God's expectations.
derek · Hebrew Noun
The manner of life, conduct, or moral direction that a person follows. In Scripture, it signifies the path of obedience and faith that aligns with God's commands.
This verse is part of a pivotal moment where Moses, overwhelmed by the administrative needs of a burgeoning nation, receives practical, divinely-inspired counsel from his father-in-law, Jethro. It highlights the critical need for clear instruction and a structured system of governance, showing how divine wisdom can be channeled even through secular expertise.
c. 1440 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses.
c. 1440 BC
Moses' Father-in-Law Visits
Jethro, a priest from Midian, hears about God's deliverance of Israel and visits Moses, bringing Moses' wife and sons.
c. 1440 BC
Jethro Observes Moses Judging
Jethro sees Moses spending all day judging the people's disputes, realizing it's too much for one man.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Jethro Advises Moses on Leadership
Jethro proposes a system of appointing capable leaders to handle smaller matters, freeing Moses to focus on the bigger issues and direct people to God.
This passage echoes the command to teach God's statutes, emphasizing the continuous nature of imparting divine instruction to the next generation and shaping their daily lives.
Proverbs 4:23Just as Exodus 18:20 instructs them on the 'way they must walk,' this verse highlights the importance of guarding one's heart, as all issues of life flow from it, connecting the internal disposition to outward conduct.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission parallels Moses' task by calling for disciples to be taught all that He commanded, extending the mandate of teaching God's ways and works to all nations.
1 Timothy 4:16This verse directly addresses the responsibility of teaching and doctrine, urging leaders to 'pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching' and persist in it, mirroring the directive in Exodus for leaders to instruct the people.
clarkeExodus 18:20: "And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do."
Thou shalt teach them ordinances - חקים chukkim, all such precepts as relate to the ceremonies of religion and political economy. And laws, התורת hattoroth, the instructions relative to the whole system of morality. And shalt show them the way - אה הדרך eth hadderech, That very Way, that only way, which God himself has revealed, and in which they…
calvinExodus 18:13-27: "And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening."
And when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
Et videns socer Mosis omnia quae faciebat ipse erga populum, dixit, Quid est quod tu facis populo? quare tu sedes solus, e…
This verse highlights that teaching God's ways isn't just about rules, but about showing the path people must walk and the specific work they are called to do. It’s a holistic approach, encompassing both the divine instructions and the practical outworking of faith in daily life.
Moses has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people coming to him daily with their disputes and questions about God. His father-in-law, Jethro, witnesses this and advises Moses that this system is unsustainable for both him and the people. Jethro proposes a new structure where Moses will teach the laws and statutes, and then able men will handle the daily judgments, only bringing the most difficult cases to Moses.
Moses has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people coming to him daily with their disputes and questions about God. His father-in-law, Jethro, witnesses this and advises Moses that this system is unsustainable for both him and the people. Jethro proposes a new structure where Moses will teach the laws and statutes, and then able men will handle the daily judgments, only bringing the most difficult cases to Moses.
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c. 1440 BC
Moses Implements the New System
Moses heeds Jethro's counsel, appointing leaders to judge the people, establishing a more sustainable administrative structure.
"and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do." — This verse highlights that teaching God's ways isn't just about rules, but about showing the path people must walk and the specific work they are called to do. It’s a holistic approach, encompass…
