“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus, which recounts the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. In this particular passage, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visits him in the wilderness after hearing about all that God had done for the Israelites. Jethro observes Moses’ role as the sole judge for the people and advises him on a more efficient way to handle their disputes.
Now, let’s break down Exodus 18:16 and explore its key themes and lessons:
- The responsibility of judgment: In this verse, Moses describes his role as a judge for the Israelites. The people would come to him with their disputes, and he would make judgments and decisions based on God’s statutes and laws. This highlights Moses’ authority as a leader appointed by God to guide and govern the people.
- Seeking guidance from God: Moses’s ability to judge the people wisely was rooted in his understanding of God’s statutes and laws. He made it a priority to ensure that the people were aware of God’s standards and principles. This demonstrates the importance of seeking divine wisdom and understanding when making judgments or decisions.
- The need for delegation: Jethro, recognizing the burden Moses carried as the sole judge, advises him to delegate his responsibilities. In the subsequent verses (Exodus 18:17-23), Jethro suggests that Moses appoint capable leaders to assist him in handling the people’s disputes, while reserving the most difficult cases for Moses himself. This highlights the significance of delegation and shared leadership to avoid burnout and ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice.
- Applying biblical principles: Moses’ role as a judge involved applying the statutes and laws of God to the situations and conflicts brought before him. This teaches us the importance of grounding our judgments and decisions in the principles and teachings found in God’s Word. It reminds us that true justice is not based on personal biases or arbitrary standards but on the unchanging truth of God’s law.
- The role of leaders: This verse also emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to act as intermediaries between God and the people. Moses not only judged the disputes but also made sure that the people understood and followed God’s statutes and laws. Leaders have a vital role in teaching and guiding others in the ways of God, helping them to align their lives with His standards.
Overall, Exodus 18:16 highlights the importance of leadership, seeking divine guidance, applying biblical principles, and delegating responsibilities. It teaches us that leadership should be rooted in God’s wisdom, and the administration of justice should be carried out with fairness, wisdom, and a commitment to God’s statutes and laws.
