Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. New Living Translation Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. English Standard Version And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; Berean Standard Bible “Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. King James Bible And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: New King James Version And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. New American Standard Bible Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. NASB 1995 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. NASB 1977 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Legacy Standard Bible And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Amplified Bible Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to ask [about the will] of God. Christian Standard Bible Moses replied to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Holman Christian Standard Bible Moses replied to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. American Standard Version And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: Contemporary English Version Moses answered, "Because they come here to find out what God wants them to do. English Revised Version And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: GOD'S WORD® Translation Moses answered his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to find out God's will. Good News Translation Moses answered, "I must do this because the people come to me to learn God's will. International Standard Version Moses told his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Majority Standard Bible ?Because the people come to me to inquire of God,? Moses replied. NET Bible Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. New Heart English Bible Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Webster's Bible Translation And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God: World English Bible Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Moses says to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to seek God; Young's Literal Translation And Moses saith to his father-in-law, 'Because the people come unto me to seek God; Smith's Literal Translation And Moses will say to his father-in-law, Because the people will come to me to seek God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Moses answered him: The people come to me to seek the judgment of God. Catholic Public Domain Version And Moses answered him: “The people come to me seeking the verdict of God. New American Bible Moses answered his father-in-law, “The people come to me to consult God. New Revised Standard Version Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Moshe said to his Father in Law, “The people come to me to ask the word from God: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moses said unto his father-in-law: 'Because the people come unto me to inquire of God; Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moses says to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to seek judgment from God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jethro Advises Moses…14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?” 15“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied. 16“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”… Cross References Deuteronomy 1:16-17 At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. / Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” Numbers 27:5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD, 1 Samuel 8:6 But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Acts 6:1-4 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ... Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ... James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Luke 12:57 And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” Treasury of Scripture And Moses said to his father in law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God: to enquire Exodus 18:19,20 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: … Leviticus 24:12-14 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them… Numbers 15:34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. Jump to Previous Directions Enquire Father-In-Law God's Inquire Law Moses SeekJump to Next Directions Enquire Father-In-Law God's Inquire Law Moses SeekExodus 18 1. Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses7. Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord 9. Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice 13. He gives good counsel, which is accepted 27. Jethro departs Because the people come to me to inquire of God, This phrase highlights Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, leaders often served as intermediaries between the divine and the people. Moses, chosen by God, fulfills this role by providing guidance and judgment based on divine revelation. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God is the ultimate authority, and Moses acts as His representative. The people's approach to Moses signifies their recognition of his unique relationship with God and their dependence on divine wisdom for their communal and personal issues. Moses replied. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. He serves as a judge and mediator between God and the people. 2. Jethro Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and observes his leadership over the Israelites. His observations lead to a significant conversation about leadership and delegation. 3. The Israelites The people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now in the wilderness. They come to Moses to seek God's guidance and judgments. 4. The Wilderness The setting of this event, where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land. It is a place of testing, learning, and revelation. 5. Inquiring of God The act of seeking divine guidance and wisdom, which Moses facilitates for the people. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God for direction. Teaching Points The Burden of LeadershipLeadership can be overwhelming when one person tries to handle everything alone. Moses' experience teaches the importance of recognizing one's limits and seeking help. The Role of a Mediator Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf. The Importance of Seeking God The Israelites' desire to inquire of God highlights the necessity of seeking divine wisdom in our decisions and challenges. Delegation and Shared Responsibility Effective leadership involves empowering others to share in responsibilities, as seen in Moses' eventual delegation of duties. Community and Accountability The community of believers is called to support one another, holding each other accountable and sharing burdens, reflecting the body of Christ.(15, 16) Moses assigns two reasons for his conduct.Verse 15. - And Moses said... Because the people come unto me, to inquire of God. To inquire of God is certainly not a mere "juridical phrase," meaning to consult a judge (Kalisch), nor, on the other hand, is it necessarily "to consult God through an oracle." It cannot, however, mean less than to seek a decision from some one regarded as entitled to speak for God; and it is certainly assigned by Moses as the reason why he judged all the causes himself, and did not devolve the duty upon others. They could not be supposed to know the mind of God as he knew it. Jethro, however, points out, that it is one thing to lay down principles, and another to apply them. Moses might reserve the legislative function - the inculcation of principles - to himself, and so still, "be for the people to Godward" (ver. 19); but he might find "able men" among the congregation, quite capable of applying the principles, and delegate to them the judicial function (vers. 21, 22). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Becauseכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the people הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock come יָבֹ֥א (yā·ḇō) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֵלַ֛י (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to me to inquire לִדְרֹ֥שׁ (liḏ·rōš) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship of God,” אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Moses מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver replied. וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say Links Exodus 18:15 NIVExodus 18:15 NLT Exodus 18:15 ESV Exodus 18:15 NASB Exodus 18:15 KJV Exodus 18:15 BibleApps.com Exodus 18:15 Biblia Paralela Exodus 18:15 Chinese Bible Exodus 18:15 French Bible Exodus 18:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 18:15 Moses said to his father-in-law Because (Exo. 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