Exodus 18:19 - Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God.

Generated Verse: Exodus 18:19

What does "Exodus 18:19" mean?


Exodus 18:19 is part of Jethro's advice to Moses. Let's break down what it means:

"Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you." This is Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) politely asking Moses to hear his advice. He's also expressing a blessing, wishing God's favor and guidance upon Moses.

"You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God." This is a description of Moses' role as an intermediary between the Israelites and God. Moses was the one who:

Spoke to God on behalf of the people.
Presented their disputes and problems to God for judgment.
Delivered God's laws and decisions back to the people.

In essence, Jethro is acknowledging the heavy burden Moses carries as the sole judge and mediator for the entire Israelite nation. He recognizes that Moses is a vital link between the people and God, a position that demands immense effort and responsibility. The following verses (Exodus 18:20-23) elaborate on Jethro's specific advice: to delegate authority to capable and God-fearing men to share the burden of judging the people.

What categories does "Exodus 18:19" have?