Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.

Study Bible

And they judged the people at all times;
This phrase indicates the establishment of a judicial system among the Israelites. The context is Jethro's advice to Moses to delegate responsibilities to capable men, which reflects an early form of organized governance. This system ensured continuous access to justice, preventing Moses from being overwhelmed. It highlights the importance of constant and fair judgment, a principle echoed in Deuteronomy 16:18-20, where judges are instructed to judge fairly and without partiality.

they would bring the difficult cases to Moses,
This reflects a hierarchical structure in decision-making, where complex or significant matters were escalated to Moses. It underscores Moses' role as the ultimate human authority and mediator, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). This system ensured that Moses could focus on matters requiring divine insight or wisdom, akin to how Christ intercedes for believers.

but any minor issue they would judge themselves.
This delegation of authority allowed for efficient governance and empowered leaders within the community. It reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and responsibility, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). By handling minor issues, these leaders maintained order and justice, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. This system also mirrors the New Testament church structure, where elders and deacons manage church affairs (Acts 6:1-7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central figure in the Book of Exodus, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this context, he is the primary judge and leader of the people.

2. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, who advised Moses to delegate the task of judging the people to capable men to prevent burnout and inefficiency.

3. Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now in the wilderness, learning to live under God's law and leadership.

4. Judges
Appointed leaders among the Israelites who were tasked with handling minor disputes, allowing Moses to focus on more significant issues.

5. Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land, a place of testing, learning, and growth in their relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Delegation and Leadership
Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and empowering others to share responsibilities. This prevents burnout and ensures that all matters are addressed efficiently.

Wisdom in Judgment
The appointed judges needed wisdom and discernment to handle disputes. This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in decision-making.

Community and Accountability
The structure of shared leadership fosters a sense of community and accountability. It encourages participation and responsibility among all members.

Prioritizing Responsibilities
Leaders must prioritize their responsibilities, focusing on tasks that align with their calling and gifting, while entrusting others with appropriate duties.

Learning from Elders
Jethro's advice to Moses underscores the value of learning from those with more experience and wisdom, reminding us to remain teachable and open to counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the delegation of responsibilities in Exodus 18:26 reflect God's design for leadership within the community of believers?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of shared leadership in our church or community today?

3. How does the appointment of judges in Exodus 18:26 compare to the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:1-7, and what can we learn from both examples?

4. What qualities should we look for in individuals who are appointed to positions of leadership and judgment within the church?

5. How can we ensure that we are open to receiving wise counsel from others, as Moses was from Jethro, in our personal and spiritual lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 1:9-18
This passage recounts Moses' retelling of the appointment of judges, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership and the burden of leadership.

Acts 6:1-7
The early church faced a similar situation where the apostles appointed deacons to handle practical matters, allowing them to focus on prayer and ministry of the word.

1 Corinthians 6:1-6
Paul advises the Corinthian church to appoint wise individuals to judge disputes among believers, reflecting the principle of resolving issues within the community.