Exodus 18:20-21
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easily missed is that this isn't just about teaching rules; it's about revealing a path and a task. Jethro's counsel emphasizes not just knowing God's commands ("statutes and laws"), but understanding the way of life they create ("the way they must walk") and the specific actions required within that way ("what they must do"). This highlights that true obedience involves a holistic way of living, not just adherence to regulations.
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. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a significant victory against Amalek, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits the Israelite camp. Jethro observes Moses spending his entire day adjudicating disputes and wisely advises him to delegate this responsibility to capable leaders to avoid exhaustion and ensure efficient justice. This counsel leads to the establishment of a judicial system, where Moses' role shifts from direct judge to imparting God's laws and statutes to the appointed leaders.
Did Moses just give people a rulebook? Or was there something deeper at play when he taught them God's commands?
Exodus 18:20 presents teaching God's ways as a multi-layered process. It wasn't just about listing rules.
Statutes and Laws:
This involves understanding God's specific decrees (chukkim, often related to religious ceremony and political order) and His broader regulations (torot, encompassing morality and instruction).
The Way to Walk:
Beyond specific rules, there's the overarching path of faith and duty. This is the general course of life that aligns with God's heart and character.
The Work to Do:
Finally, it culminates in practical action. This refers to the specific tasks and responsibilities each person has, both toward God and one another, requiring diligent and fervent execution.
Moses was drowning in work! What can we learn from Jethro's intervention about managing responsibilities and serving effectively?
Jethro's counsel to Moses in Exodus 18 reveals a vital principle for leadership and life: no one person can do it all, and effectiveness often comes from wise delegation and structure.
Ask a follow-up
Recognizing Limits:
Moses, despite his divine calling, was wearing himself and the people out. Jethro points out that this approach is unsustainable and 'not good.' This highlights that even the most dedicated individuals have limitations.
Godly Delegation:
Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable, God-fearing leaders to handle smaller matters. This frees up Moses to focus on the weightier issues – bringing people's concerns to God and teaching them His laws. This isn't shirking responsibility, but managing it wisely.
The Goal: Peace and Order:
The ultimate aim of this structure is for the people to 'go to their place in peace.' Effective systems allow for justice and order, benefiting everyone involved.
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.
chayil · Hebrew Noun
Refers to men of valor, capability, strength, or moral excellence; it denotes those who are competent and reliable for leadership.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
An attitude of reverence, awe, and submission before the majesty and authority of God, resulting in obedience to His commands.
'emeth · Hebrew Noun
Characterized by truth, reliability, and faithfulness; someone who can be trusted to uphold justice and act with integrity.
botsa` · Hebrew Noun
A gift or reward given to influence judgment or corrupt justice; hating a bribe represents a commitment to impartiality and righteousness.
This advice from Jethro comes at a crucial point when the Israelites are newly freed from slavery and beginning to receive God's law. It highlights the practical necessity of organizing leadership and instruction to ensure God's statutes are understood and followed by the entire community as they embark on their journey.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land. This event establishes God's covenant and power in the eyes of His people and surrounding nations.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God delivers the Ten Commandments and other laws to Moses on Mount Sinai, providing the foundational legal and moral framework for the Israelite nation. This event formalizes the covenant relationship.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Jethro's Visit to Moses
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and a priest of Midian, visits the Israelite camp after hearing of their deliverance. He observes Moses' overwhelming workload in judging the people and offers counsel.
c. 1446 BC
Reorganization of Justice System
Following Jethro's advice, Moses establishes a system of judges to handle smaller matters, reserving major issues for himself. This allows for more efficient administration of justice and governance.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites spend 40 years journeying through the wilderness. During this time, the laws and statutes given at Sinai are to be taught and applied, shaping the people's identity and relationship with God.
This passage echoes the command to teach, emphasizing the importance of impressing God's words upon our children, showing that instruction in God's ways is a continuous, generational task.
Proverbs 3:5-6This verse highlights the 'way' to walk and the 'work' to do by trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all our ways, connecting the instruction given in Exodus to practical, faithful living.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission mirrors the mandate to teach and make disciples, showing how the Old Testament principle of imparting God's statutes and ways extends to the universal mission of the New Testament church.
Colossians 3:16This verse speaks to letting the word of Christ dwell richly among us, teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom, which directly relates to the instruction and application of God's laws mentioned in Exodus.
1 Timothy 4:16This passage instructs to 'pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching' and to persevere in them, reinforcing the critical role of diligent instruction and personal example in guiding others in God's statutes and ways.
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…
What's easily missed is that this isn't just about teaching rules; it's about revealing a path and a task. Jethro's counsel emphasizes not just knowing God's commands ("statutes and laws"), but understanding the way of life they create ("the way they must walk") and the specific actions required within that way ("what they must do"). This highlights that true obedience involves a holistic way of living, not just adherence to regulations.
Following a significant victory against Amalek, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits the Israelite camp. Jethro observes Moses spending his entire day adjudicating disputes and wisely advises him to delegate this responsibility to capable leaders to avoid exhaustion and ensure efficient justice. This counsel leads to the establishment of a judicial system, where Moses' role shifts from direct judge to imparting God's laws and statutes to the appointed leaders.
Following a significant victory against Amalek, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits the Israelite camp. Jethro observes Moses spending his entire day adjudicating disputes and wisely advises him to delegate this responsibility to capable leaders to avoid exhaustion and ensure efficient justice. This counsel leads to the establishment of a judicial system, where Moses' role shifts from direct judge to imparting God's laws and statutes to the appointed leaders.
"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. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and…" — What's easily missed is that this isn't just about teaching rules; it's about revealing a path and a task. Jethro's counsel emphasizes not just knowing God's commands ("statutes and laws"), but u…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
