Exodus - Chapter 18

Exodus 18.1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; Exodus 18.2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, Exodus 18.3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: Exodus 18.4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh: Exodus 18.5 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God: Exodus 18.6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her. Exodus 18.7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. Exodus 18.8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them. Exodus 18.9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. Exodus 18.10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Exodus 18.11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them. Exodus 18.12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God. Exodus 18.13 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. Exodus 18.14 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? Exodus 18.15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: Exodus 18.16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. Exodus 18.17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Exodus 18.18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Exodus 18.19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: Exodus 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. Exodus 18.21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Exodus 18.22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. Exodus 18.23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. Exodus 18.24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said. Exodus 18.25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Exodus 18.26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. Exodus 18.27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

Exodus : Chapter 18

Leadership Lessons in Exodus 18

Exodus chapter 18 offers us valuable insight into the interactions between Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, and Moses himself. This insightful account allows us to explore essential lessons about leadership and management. Through this encounter, we discover not only Moses' reunion with his family, but also fundamental advice on delegating authority and establishing an effective judicial system.

Practical Wisdom and Organizational Structure

This chapter highlights crucial themes such as practical wisdom, organization, and the importance of counsel. Indeed, Jethro's advice to Moses regarding the delegation of responsibilities is just as relevant today as it was in biblical times. This text invites us to reflect on the importance of sharing the burden of leadership to ensure the better functioning of any community.

Principles of Modern Leadership

Exodus 18 teaches us principles that resonate with the challenges of modern leadership. We invite you to explore five biblical passages that enrich our understanding of the key concepts presented in this informative chapter.

Enlightening Bible Passages

Acts 6:2-3: "Then the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It is not right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to serve tables. Brothers, choose from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we will entrust them with this task.'"

This passage illustrates the principle of delegating responsibilities found in Jethro's advice to Moses.

Deuteronomy 1:9-13: "At that time I said to them, 'You are too heavy a burden for me to bear alone. [...] Choose wise, discerning, and experienced men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.'"

Here Moses recalls the importance of Jethro's advice and the implementation of these recommendations.

Proverbs 11:14: "Without guidance, a nation falls; but with many counselors, it is saved."

This proverb emphasizes the importance of having multiple leaders and the positive impact of collective wisdom.

Romans 13:1: "Each person must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God; the authorities that exist have been established by him."

This verse recalls the established principle of authority, which is found in the organization proposed by Jethro.

1 Peter 5:2-3: "Shepherd the flock of God under your care. Care for it, not out of obligation, but willingly, as God wills. Do not do this out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. Do not lord it over those entrusted to your care, but as examples to the flock."

This passage echoes the leadership principles set out in Jethro's counsel, reminding us that true leadership is an act of service.