Exodus 18:16 - When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.”
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What does "Exodus 18:16" mean?
Exodus 18:16 is part of Jethro's observation of Moses' heavy workload in dispensing justice to the Israelites. It describes Moses' role as:
A Judge: "When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor..." This highlights Moses' function as the primary legal authority and arbitrator. People brought their disputes, conflicts, and legal issues to him for resolution.
An Interpreter of God's Law: "...and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.”" Moses not only judged cases but also educated the people about God's laws (statutes) and broader principles (laws). He ensured that his judgments were based on God's revealed will and that the people understood the basis for those judgments.
In essence, the verse portrays Moses as:
A mediator: He resolved disputes between individuals.
A legal authority: He made judgments based on a system of law.
A teacher: He explained God's law to the people, ensuring they understood their obligations.
Significance:
It shows the early development of a legal system within the Israelite community.
It emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in their relationship with God and each other.
It foreshadows the need for a more organized system of justice, which Jethro proposes in the following verses. Jethro observes that Moses is wearing himself out with the workload, and the people are waiting all day for him to adjudicate. This prompts Jethro to advise Moses to delegate authority to capable individuals to judge smaller matters, reserving only the most important cases for himself. This would allow Moses to focus on the more crucial aspects of his leadership role, such as communicating God's laws and leading the people.
Exodus 18:16 - When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.”
What does "Exodus 18:16" mean?
Exodus 18:16 is part of Jethro's observation of Moses' heavy workload in dispensing justice to the Israelites. It describes Moses' role as:
A Judge: "When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor..." This highlights Moses' function as the primary legal authority and arbitrator. People brought their disputes, conflicts, and legal issues to him for resolution.
An Interpreter of God's Law: "...and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.”" Moses not only judged cases but also educated the people about God's laws (statutes) and broader principles (laws). He ensured that his judgments were based on God's revealed will and that the people understood the basis for those judgments.
In essence, the verse portrays Moses as:
A mediator: He resolved disputes between individuals.
A legal authority: He made judgments based on a system of law.
A teacher: He explained God's law to the people, ensuring they understood their obligations.
Significance:
It shows the early development of a legal system within the Israelite community.
It emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in their relationship with God and each other.
It foreshadows the need for a more organized system of justice, which Jethro proposes in the following verses. Jethro observes that Moses is wearing himself out with the workload, and the people are waiting all day for him to adjudicate. This prompts Jethro to advise Moses to delegate authority to capable individuals to judge smaller matters, reserving only the most important cases for himself. This would allow Moses to focus on the more crucial aspects of his leadership role, such as communicating God's laws and leading the people.