Êxodo 18

Êxodo 18

Morgan - Ex. 18:17 This is an arresting story. It is almost certainly quite out of its chronological place here. It most probably happened later, as the people were about to depart from Sinai. Compare Num. 11.14-17 and Deut. 1.7-14. It has been suggested that it was inserted here in order to show that while Jethro lived among the Amalekites he was not under the curse pronounced upon them (see Exodus 17.16). The arresting thing is that this advice as to the administration of the affairs of the people came from a man outside their borders, and that Moses acted upon it. A well-known expositor, writing of this story, says: "Jehovah entirely ignored this worldly-wise organization, substituting His own order." I think that is hardly war-ranted. It would be nearer the mark to say that Jehovah approved the principle, and instituted His own order. Two matters strike us as being significant. The first is that the principle is a good one. No man is warranted in attempting to carry more than he is able to carry. One of the greatest signs of capacity for leadership is the ability to call others into fellowship in responsibility and service. The second is that God has many ways of making known His will to His servants. He at times speaks through a Jethro to a Moses, as surely as through a Moses to His people. Perhaps to these two, we should add a third, namely, that all advice which we receive from men should be tested by remitting the same to God for ratification or amendment. Exodus 18:18 "You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. You will surely wear out - 2Co 12:15 Php 2:30 1Th 2:8,9 you cannot do it alone - Nu 11:14-17 De 1:9-12 Ac 6:1-4 Exodus 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries MOSES WOULD WITHER You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you - Here Jethro explains why what Moses is doing is not good! And keep the context in mind - Moses was responsible for 2 million people and he would not survive long without help! The meaning of surely wear out is described in the word study below, but the point is that Jethro is warning Moses he would lose heart, wither away like a leaf falling to the ground. The Hebrew word nabel is repeated for emphasis meaning something like "Moses fading you will fade away!" It is fascinating that this word nabel is the root of the word nebela which means corpse, something devoid of life! This gives us quite a picture of what might happen to Moses if he kept up this insane pace! Surely wear out (05034)(nabel) has an underlying sense of that which is useless and means to wither, languish, fade. Literally nabel pictures something as wearing out, drying up, dying, falling off - of grass = Ps 37:2; of leaves = Isa 1:30, Jer 8:13, Ezek 47:12; of flowers = Isa 28:1, 4; of the earth withering = Isa 24:4. Figuratively it speaks of Moses wearing out from overwork (Ex 18:18), of losing heart from fear (2 Sa 22:46; Ps 18:45); of a falling mountain that crumbles away (Job 14:18). In Ps 1:3 the man of God who meditates on the word daily is like a tree whose "leaf does not wither." Of the host of heaven withers (3 uses - Isa 34:4). In Ps 18:45 it is used figuratively of foes fading away, failing in strength and courage The Septuagint translation of Ex 18:18 actually uses two words, one meaning to corrupt, destroy, ruin and the other meaning unbearable. Isa 40:7-8 The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isa 64:6 For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. NAS - 16v - crumbles away(1), fade(1), fade away(1), fades(2), fades away(1), fading(2), lose heart(1), surely wear(1), wither(4), wither away(1), withers(4). Ex 18:18; 2 Sa 22:46; Job 14:18; Ps. 1:3; Ps. 18:45; Ps. 37:2; Isa. 1:30; Isa. 24:4; Isa. 28:1; Isa. 28:4; Isa. 34:4; Isa. 40:7; Isa. 40:8; Isa. 64:6; Jer. 8:13; Ezek. 47:12 KJV - 21v - It has more verses because it includes the second sense of the word nabel as foolish, while NAS does not have this meaning - A verb meaning to be foolish, to act disdainfully. It is used of treating someone with disapproval or as unworthy (Deut. 32:15; Jer. 14:21; Mic. 7:6; Nah. 3:6); or of acting in contempt toward something or in a foolish way (Prov. 30:32). For - Term of explanation. Jethro will explain why Moses will eventually fade away if he keeps judging the disputes from morning to evening! The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone - The literal picture is "heavier than you is this thing." The same Hebrew word kabed was used to in Exodus 17:12+ "Moses’ hands were heavy (kabed). Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set." It seems here in Exodus 18 that Moses had not learned his need for and the value of helping hands which were provided by Aaron and Hur. Instead, Moses was (so to speak) "trying to hold his hands up by himself from the morning until the evening"!. Jethro insightfully says this task is too heavy which may have recalled in Moses' mind the battle with the Amalekites! THOUGHT - Moses is learning that he needs people to lighten his load. This is probably a lesson many of us need to learn. I have known pastors who were running well, but as the load got bigger (more attendees, etc), they simply tried to shoulder the load themselves and the result was that they burned out and some even left the ministry entirely! If you are a pastor, the question is simple - have you learned to share the load with other godly men? If not, your hands may become very heavy at the least or you may even decide to leave ministry at worst. Remember the line of the John Donne poem that "No man is an island." We all need people around who support us and us them! Jethro's words You cannot in the Septuagint read "you are absolutely not able to do it alone." Boy, do these words fly in the face of many of our independent spirits! Some even think to ask for help is a sign of weakness! More to the truth is that to not ask for help may be a sign of us having delusions of deity! Only the great "I Am" does not need help. We need help. Moses uses this same word kabed in Numbers 11:14 declaring “I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome (kabed) for me." In Deuteronomy, Moses adds another reason the task was too heavy -- their strife! Dt 1:12 "How can I alone bear the load and burden of you and your strife (Heb = riv/rib/riyb; Lxx = antilogia)? Heavy (severe, large, difficult,) (03515)(kabed) is an adjective something heavy, great, grievous. Uses in Exodus - Ex 4:10; Ex 7:14; Ex 8:24; Ex 9:3; Ex 9:18; Ex 9:24; Ex 10:14; Ex 12:38; Ex 17:12; Ex 18:18; Ex 19:16; It is interesting that at some point God had placed His Spirit upon Moses for in Nu 11:17 we read “Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone." Exodus 18:19 "Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people's representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, NET Exodus 18:19 Now listen to me, I will give you advice, and may God be with you: You be a representative for the people to God, and you bring their disputes to God; NLT Exodus 18:19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people's representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. ESV Exodus 18:19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, Now listen- Ex 18:24 Pr 9:9 God be with you - Ex 3:12 4:12 Ge 39:2 De 20:1 Jos 1:9 2Sa 14:17 Mt 28:20 You be - Ex 18:15 4:16 20:19 De 5:5 bring - Nu 27:5 Exodus 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JETHRO'S AUTHORITATIVE DIRECTIVE Now listen to me - Literally “hear my voice.” Jethro issues an imperative to his son-in-law. This is not a suggestion because the situation is serious. I will give you counsel - Human reasoning. Godly counsel and advice from the priest of Midian. And God be with you - Divine enablement. This divine provision is explained in the next phrase. You be the people's representative before God - First, Jethro tells Moses to keep arbitrating the disputes. Here we begin to see Moses portrayed as a mediator, an intermediary, standing before God interceding for them, appealing to God on their behalf. Jethro is saying in essence "I understand that you cannot delegate this to anyone else, so continue doing it." And you bring the disputes to God - Second, Jethro tells Moses to take the disputes to God which would seem to be saying pray about these disputes. Exodus 18:19 THE WISDOM OF AGE No matter how long you've been at this thing called life, it's wise to turn to older people for advice. I know I feel more comfortable about making big decisions if I first talk to my dad and my father-in-law about them. When they confirm my fears or affirm my decisions about something, I feel I'm on solid ground. Moses was no spring chicken when he got some much-needed advice from his father-in-law Jethro. He observed that Moses was about to suffer burnout if he continued to try to do all the work of judging for the children of Israel by himself. So he told Moses, "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone" (Ex 18:18). Moses could easily have said, "Look, Dad, I'm in charge here. I know what I'm doing. After all, I've been around for a while, and I've gained a little wisdom too." Instead, he listened carefully and divided the work just as Jethro suggested. As a result, things went more smoothly, and the work got done more efficiently. The older saints who trust God's Word Have fought the battles you now fight; They've trod the paths that you now walk -- Their wisdom teaches truth and right. --JDB To avoid the mistakes of youth, draw from the wisdom of age. Exodus 18:20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. NET Exodus 18:20 warn them of the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. NLT Exodus 18:20 Teach them God's decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. teach - Ex 18:16 De 4:1,5 5:1 6:1,2 7:11 Ne 9:13,14 the way - 1Sa 12:23 Ps 32:8 143:8 Isa 30:21 Jer 6:16 42:3 Mic 4:2 1Th 4:1 work - De 1:18 Eze 3:17 Mt 28:20 Mk 13:34 2Th 3:6-12 Exodus 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then - "This continues the sequence of instruction for Moses. He alone was to be the mediator, to guide them in the religious and moral instruction." (NET) Teach them the statutes and the laws (torah) - So first keep being Israel's arbiter (Ex 18:19), second take the disputes to Jehovah (Ex 18:19) and now third teach the people the statutes and laws. Where did Moses receive these teachings? The text does not say specifically but clearly they were divinely revealed to him (cf Ex 15:25-26+). The word teach (zahar - below) means to warn and is translated in the Septuagint (Lxx) with the verb diamarturomai which means to solemnly charge or warn (cf Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 2 Ti 4:1+). This was not the first time Israel was presented with statutes for earlier we read regarding the Passover "you shall observe this event as an ordinance (choq) for you and your children forever." (Ex 12:24+) And then in Exodus 15 at the bitter water test sweetened by the tree, God gave statutes (as well as commandments and regulations) that Israel was to obey and in obeying would not have the diseases put on them which were put on the Egyptians. (Ex 15:25-26+). Statutes (decrees, ordinances)(02706)(choq/hoq from chaqaq = to engrave in stone) is a masculine noun that means regulation, law, ordinance, decree, custom. The primary sense of choq is an expectation or mandate prescribed by decree or custom. See Statute in the Baker Evangelical Dictionary. Teach (02094)(zahar) means to teach, to admonish or to warn. For example in Ps 19:11+ David says that "Moreover, by them (judgments in Ps 19:9) Your servant is warned (zahar); In keeping them there is great reward." In Da 12:3+ the sense is different = "Those who have insight will shine (zahar) brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven." Semantic Domains - "(nif) warned, take warning (Ps 19:12; Ecc 4:13; 12:12; Eze 3:21b; 33:4, 5,6); (hif) give warning, dissuade, i.e., tell one of a future happening which is dangerous and having consequences, implying a future event may change in some way based on contingent present behavior (Ex 18:20; 2Ki 6:10; 2Ch 19:10; Eze 3:17, 18,19, 20, 21a; 33:3, 7, 8, 9)" Summary - 1) to admonish, warn, teach, shine, send out light, be light, be shining 1a) (Niphal) to be taught, be admonished 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to teach, warn 1b2) to shine, send out light (in Da 12:3) Zahar - give them warning(1), receive instruction(1), take warning(2), taken warning(1), teach(1), took warning(1), warn(6), warned(7), warns(1). - Ex 18:20; 2 Ki. 6:10; 2 Chr. 19:10; Ps. 19:11; Eccl. 4:13; Eccl. 12:12; Ezek. 3:17; Ezek. 3:18; Ezek. 3:19; Ezek. 3:20; Ezek. 3:21; Ezek. 33:3; Ezek. 33:4; Ezek. 33:5; Ezek. 33:6; Ezek. 33:7; Ezek. 33:8; Ezek. 33:9; Dan. 12:3 and make known to them - Moses would take the revelation from God and communicate or report it to the people. the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do - The way...they are to walk speaks of obedience. Notice the order is watch your walk before you focus on your work. Exodus 18:21 "Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. NET Exodus 18:21 But you choose from the people capable men, God-fearing, men of truth, those who hate bribes, and put them over the people as rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. NLT Exodus 18:21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. ESV Exodus 18:21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Furthermore - De 1:13-17 Ac 6:3 you shall select out of all the people able men - Ex 18:25 De 16:18 1Ki 3:9-12 Pr 28:2 men who fear Gods - Ex 23:2-9 Ge 22:12 42:18 2Sa 23:3 1Ki 18:3,12 2Ch 19:5-10 Ne 5:9 7:2 Ec 12:13 Lu 18:2,4 men of truth - Job 29:16 31:13 Isa 16:5 59:4,14,15 Jer 5:1 Eze 18:8 Zec 7:9 Zec 8:16 those who hate dishonest gain - Ex 23:8 De 16:18,19 1Sa 8:3 12:3,4 Ps 26:9,10 Isa 33:15 Eze 22:12 Ac 20:33 1Ti 3:3 6:9-11 2Pe 2:14,15 leaders of thousands - Nu 10:4 De 1:15 Jos 22:14 1Sa 8:12 Exodus 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DIVISION OF LABOR Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain - This Jethro's fourth recommendation (see above for other three). These men must be able, God fearers ("not fear man because the judgment is God's" - Dt 1:17, cf Pr 29:25), who hold fast to truth ("judge righteously" Dt 1:16) and abstain from bribery or partiality (cf Dt 1:17). Select (chazah) is translated "choose" or "look for" in other versions and the idea of the verb (see below) is to look carefully for men with these qualities. The Septuagint (Lxx) translates chazah with skeptomai which means to look carefully, examine, think about beforehand, all of these meanings giving us a good sense of what Jethro is telling Moses to do. He is to look carefully for qualified men who can assist in this task and then Jethro gives the specific qualities that Moses should be looking for in these men. Scott Grant makes a great point (and I have seen this in my experience) - In choosing leaders today, often these qualities are not at the top of the list. We're easily impressed by flash and image and personality, which are readily discernible at first glance. But true competence, a true reverence for God and integrity often are not so readily apparent. Shall select (02372)(chazah) means to gaze at; mentally to perceive (usually after taking time for reflection), behold, look. Chazah refers to seeing God (Ex. 24:11; Job 19:26, 27; Ps 11:7; Ps 17:15); astrological observations (Isa. 47:13); prophetic vision and insight (Isa. 1:1; Isa. 2:1; Isa. 13:1; Lam. 2:14; Ezek. 12:27; Hab. 1:1; Zech. 10:2). Chazah - 50x in 46v - behold(7), envisioned in visions(1), gaze(2), gloat(1), look(3), looked(1), prophesy(3), saw(7), see(12), seeing(1), seen(7), sees(4), select(1). - Ex 18:21; Ex 24:11; Nu 24:4; Nu 24:16; Job 15:17; Job 19:26; Job 19:27; Job 23:9; Job 24:1; Job 27:12; Job 34:32; Job 36:25; Ps. 11:4; Ps. 11:7; Ps. 17:2; Ps. 17:15; Ps. 27:4; Ps. 46:8; Ps. 58:8; Ps. 58:10; Ps. 63:2; Prov. 22:29; Prov. 24:32; Prov. 29:20; Cant. 6:13; Isa. 1:1; Isa. 2:1; Isa. 13:1; Isa. 26:11; Isa. 30:10; Isa. 33:17; Isa. 33:20; Isa. 47:13; Isa. 48:6; Isa. 57:8; Lam. 2:14; Ezek. 12:27; Ezek. 13:6; Ezek. 13:8; Ezek. 21:29; Ezek. 22:28; Amos 1:1; Mic. 1:1; Mic. 4:11; Hab. 1:1; Zech. 10:2 NET Note on able men - The expression is אַנְשֵׁי־חַיִל (’anshe khayil, “capable men”). The attributive genitive is the word used in expressions like “mighty man of valor.” The word describes these men as respected, influential, powerful people, those looked up to by the community as leaders, and those who will have the needs of the community in mind. NET on men who fear God - The description “fearers of God” uses an objective genitive. It describes them as devout, worshipful, obedient servants of God. NET on men of truth - The expression “men of truth” (אַנְשֵׁי אֱמֶת, ’anshe ’emet) indicates that these men must be seekers of truth, who know that the task of a judge is to give true judgment (U. Cassuto, Exodus, 220). The word “truth” includes the ideas of faithfulness or reliability, as well as factuality itself. It could be understood to mean “truthful men,” men whose word is reliable and true. Truth (faithfulness, faithfully) (0571)('emeth from the verb aman = to confirm, support, believe, be faithful) is a feminine noun meaning truth, faithfulness, that which gives complete reliability. To walk in truth is to conduct oneself according to God’s holy standards (1Ki 2:4; 3:6; Ps. 86:11; Isa. 38:3). Truth was a measure of one’s word (1Ki 22:16; Da 11:2) and actions (Ge 24:49; Josh. 2:14). NET on hate dishonest gain - Heb “haters of bribes.” Here is another objective genitive, one that refers to unjust gain. To hate unjust gain is to reject and refuse it. Their decisions will not be swayed by greed. These qualifications remind us of Acts 6 where the newly formed church sought out godly men to assist the apostles Luke recording "So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2-4+). And you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens - Jethro then breaks the 2 million Hebrews into 4 much more manageable groups headed by the godly men chosen from the people. The point of the division is that every 10 people in the nation would have someone they could go to with a dispute. This would mean that there would be about 200,000 of these lower echelon judges. If that is true, that is amazing that Moses could find that many Israelite men who met the relatively stringent requirements! After the 40 years of wandering Moses alluded to this past experience and used it to recommend a similar administration be undertaken when they entered the promised land... “I spoke to you at that time, saying, ‘I am not able to bear the burden of you alone. 10 ‘The LORD your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are this day like the stars of heaven in number. 11 ‘May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand-fold more than you are and bless you, just as He has promised you! 12 ‘How can I alone bear the load and burden of you and your strife? 13 ‘Choose wise and discerning and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’ (APPARENTLY MOSES HAD TOLD THE ISRAELITES TO PUT FORWARD CANDIDATES) 14 “You answered me and said, ‘The thing which you have said to do is good.’ (IN OTHER WORDS ISRAEL APPROVED JETHRO'S PLAN) 15 “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes. 16 “Then I charged your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your fellow countrymen, and judge righteously between a man and his fellow countryman, or the alien who is with him. 17 ‘You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’ 18 “I commanded you at that time all the things that you should do. (Deuteronomy 1:9-18) D.L. Moody said, “I would rather put 10 men to work than do the work of 10 men.” D L Moody - ISN’T it extraordinary that Jethro, the man of the desert, should have given this advice to Moses? How did he learn to beware of covetousness? We honor men to-day if they are wealthy and covetous. We elect them to office in church and state. We often say that they will make better treasurers because we know them to be covetous. But in God’s sight a covetous man is as vile and black as any thief or drunkard. David said: “The wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.” I am afraid that many who profess to have put away wickedness also speak well of the covetous. Exodus 18:21 Looking for Leadership - Woodrow Kroll In 1789 an uncertain George Washington was urged to seek the presidency by Governor Morris, a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention.