Exodus 18:19
Hearken now vnto my voyce, I will giue thee counsell, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes vnto God: Exodus 18:19 (KJV)
This verse occurs in the dialogue between Moses and his father‑in‑law Jethro. Jethro observes that Moses has taken on the sole responsibility of judging the disputes of the whole Israelite community and offers him practical counsel on how to share that heavy load.
The need for wise counsel is evident. Jethro points out that Moses spends the entire day settling matters, an overwhelming task for one person. He urges Moses to listen to his advice, to seek assistance, and to delegate portions of the judicial work to capable men. The emphasis is on the importance of seeking sound advice and not shouldering all burdens alone.
Regarding God’s presence, the verse itself declares that “God shall be with thee.” The broader narrative, however, underscores that reliance on God’s wisdom and direction is essential for leaders as they make decisions. Thus, while the promise of divine presence is stated, the surrounding context highlights the need to depend on God’s guidance.
Jethro also encourages Moses to appoint trustworthy individuals to share the responsibility of judging the people. This delegation allows Moses to concentrate on higher‑level leadership while ensuring that justice is administered fairly. At the same time, Moses is reminded to act as a mediator, bringing the people’s causes before God and interceding on their behalf.
The outcome is that Moses takes Jethro’s advice to heart, selects capable men to serve as judges, and thereby lightens his own burden. The system of shared judgment brings order, eases the people’s concerns, and upholds justice throughout the camp.
Overall, Exodus 18:19 teaches that leaders should seek wise counsel, rely on God’s guidance, delegate responsibilities responsibly, and serve as representatives of their community before God. These principles remain valuable for anyone in a position of authority today.
