Exodus 18:25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 18:13-27

Here is, I. The great zeal and industry of Moses as a magistrate. 1. Having been employed to redeem Israel out of the house of bondage, herein he is a further type of Christ, that he is employed as a lawgiver and a judge among them. (1.) He was to answer enquiries, to acquaint them with the will of God in doubtful cases, and to explain the laws of God that were already given them, concerning the sabbath, the man, etc., beside the laws of nature, relating both to piety and equity, Exod. 18:15.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 18:25

And Moses chose able men out of all Israel ,.... He looked among them, and selected the best of them, such as most answered to the qualifications it was requisite they should have; and though only one of them is here mentioned, which is the first Jethro gave, yet no doubt they were all attended to, though not expressed: and made them heads over the people ; rulers, governors, judges, and officers; this is a general word, comprehending their several particular offices they sustained;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:13-26

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:13-26

Jethro's advice. In considering this passage it is desirable to form some distinct opinion as to the time of Jethro's visit to Moses . How comes this episode to be mentioned at all , and what is its point of attachment to the main course of the history? Evidently it would not have been inserted unless as explaining how these rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens, had first been appointed. The origin of this appointment is then seen to be traceable to Jethro's prudent and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:13-27

The appointment of judges. During the few days that Jethro was with Moses, he did the latter an essential service, and initiated nothing short of a revolution in the manner of conducting judicial business. Besides its immediate lessons (noted below), this incident of the appointment of judges is valuable as illustrating— 1 . The scope left in the arrangements of Israel for the independent action of the human mind. Various examples of this occur in the history— e.g; the retention of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:13-27

Good counsel well taken. I. ZEAL MAY OUTRUN DISCRETION . 1 . Moses' strength was overtaxed, his spirit needlessly burdened. 2 . There was delay for the people with its vexation and loss. The most self-sacrificing love will not of itself make our methods the best and wisest. II. WHAT IS NEEDFUL FOR THE GIVING OF ADVICE . 1 . Affectionate interest and care. The people's need and Moses' burden both weigh upon Jethro's spirit. 2 . Wisdom. A ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:17-27

The Economy of Force. "The thing that thou doest is not good," etc. Exodus 18:17 , Exodus 18:18 . In the error of Moses, and the amendment suggested by Jethro, are to be discovered most valuable lessons. This day in the life of Moses was a microcosm of all his days. His whole life was service. So with all true life. But in such a life mistakes are possible. We inquire then what are the Divine conditions of a life of true ministry? I. CHARACTER . The elements were laid down by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 18:25

Moses chose able men . It appears from Deuteronomy 1:13 , that instead of selecting the men himself, which would have been an invidious task, Moses directed their nomination by the people, and only reserved to himself the investing them wit h their authority. Heads over the people . From the time of their appointment, the "rulers" were not merely judges, but "heads" of their respective companies, with authority over them on the march, and command in the battle-field ( Numbers 31:14 ).... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 18:1-27

Organizing the administration (18:1-27)As the Israelites approached Sinai, Moses’ wife and children joined him. (He had apparently sent them back to Midian for safety during the time of his conflict with Pharaoh.) With them came Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, now a believer in the God of Israel (18:1-12).Moses had a heavy responsibility in leading the people and dealing with their troubles, and Jethro soon saw that it was wearing him out. Up till then, the people brought all their disputes to... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Exodus 18:24-27

"So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. And Moses let his father-in-law depart; and he went his way into his own land."Moses followed the excellent advice of the... read more

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