“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.”
This verse is part of a conversation between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro, who came to visit Moses in the wilderness after the Israelites had been delivered from Egypt. Jethro observed Moses sitting from morning till evening to judge the disputes and settle the issues of the people. Recognizing that this was a burden for Moses, Jethro offered him some advice on delegation and establishing a system of judges.
This verse highlights the importance of delegation and shared responsibility. Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable individuals to judge the people. These judges would handle the smaller, less significant matters, while Moses would deal with the more significant or complex cases. By doing so, Moses would alleviate his own burden, making it easier for him to carry out his leadership responsibilities effectively.
There are a few key lessons we can draw from this verse:
- Delegation and shared responsibility:Moses was trying to do everything himself, which was causing him to become overwhelmed. Jethro’s advice teaches us the importance of delegating tasks and responsibilities to capable individuals. We shouldn’t try to shoulder all burdens alone but should distribute them among others.
- Recognising the significance of matters:Jethro advises Moses to focus on the great matters and leave the smaller matters to the judges. This emphasises the importance of prioritising our efforts and resources. Not every issue requires the attention of top leadership; some can be effectively resolved by others. It’s crucial to discern which matters require our direct involvement and which can be handled by others.
- Collaboration and support:Jethro’s suggestion aims to create a system where the burden is shared. Moses would still oversee the judges, but he would not bear the entire weight of the people’s problems alone. This teaches us the value of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support within a community or organisation. It reminds us that we are stronger when we work together and support one another.
Overall, Exodus 18:22 teaches us about the importance of effective leadership, delegation, and shared responsibility. It encourages us to seek ways to distribute tasks and responsibilities among capable individuals, prioritise our efforts wisely, and build a supportive community where burdens can be shared.
