“So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.”
Exodus 18:24 is part of a larger passage in the book of Exodus that recounts the arrival of Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, to the Israelite camp in the wilderness. Jethro observes Moses spending all his time judging and settling disputes among the people. Concerned about Moses’ heavy workload, Jethro advises him to delegate some of the responsibilities to capable individuals.
Now, let’s explore the key themes and lessons we can draw from this verse:
- Wisdom of Listening: The verse begins by highlighting Moses’ attentiveness to the voice of his father-in-law. Moses was open to receiving counsel and wisdom from someone who had observed his work and could offer a different perspective. This teaches us the value of listening to wise advice and being willing to consider alternative viewpoints.
- Obedience: Moses not only listened to Jethro’s advice but also acted upon it. He implemented the suggestions given by his father-in-law, demonstrating his obedience to both God and human authority. Obedience is an essential aspect of a faithful and humble servant of God.
- Delegation: Jethro’s counsel to Moses emphasized the need for delegation. Moses had been shouldering the burden of leadership on his own, which was overwhelming and unsustainable. By following Jethro’s advice, Moses distributed the responsibility among capable leaders, enabling them to handle smaller disputes while reserving the more significant matters for himself. This highlights the importance of delegation and empowering others to serve in their areas of expertise.
- Effective Leadership: Through Moses’ actions, we see a model of effective leadership. Moses recognized the value of seeking advice, listening, and implementing constructive suggestions. This approach allowed him to more effectively serve the people and uphold justice in the community. Effective leadership involves humility, the ability to recognize and utilize the skills of others, and a willingness to adapt and improve.
- Balancing Responsibilities: The verse implies that Moses took practical steps to balance his workload. By delegating some of the responsibilities, he ensured that he could focus on the tasks that required his direct attention and authority. This teaches us the importance of time management, prioritization, and finding a healthy balance between various commitments and responsibilities in our lives.
Overall, Exodus 18:24 encourages us to be receptive to wise counsel, obedient to God and human authorities, and discerning in our approach to leadership and responsibilities. It reminds us that seeking assistance, listening, and delegating can be essential for personal growth, effective leadership, and the well-being of the community.
