Exodus 18:20 describes part of the advice Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, gives to Moses about how to govern the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall teach them the statutes and the laws...": This means Moses has a responsibility to educate the people about God's commands, rules, and principles. "Statutes" often refer to specific rules or regulations, while "laws" can encompass broader principles and guidelines. The emphasis is on providing the Israelites with a foundation of understanding regarding God's will.
"...and shall show them the way in which they must walk...": This goes beyond simply knowing the rules. It emphasizes the need to practically demonstrate how to live according to those rules. It implies guiding them in their daily lives, showing them what righteous conduct looks like in various situations.
"...and the work that they must do.": This refers to the specific responsibilities and duties each person has within the community. It includes their roles in society, their obligations to their neighbors, and their work to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that a leader's responsibility is threefold:
1. Education: Imparting knowledge of the rules and principles.
2. Guidance: Demonstrating and modeling how to live according to those rules.
3. Direction: Assigning appropriate roles and responsibilities to each individual.
The overall meaning can be summarized as: Moses needed to not only give the Israelites the laws but also show them how to live by them and what their individual roles were within God's plan. This was critical for establishing a just and righteous society.
Exodus 18:20 describes part of the advice Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, gives to Moses about how to govern the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall teach them the statutes and the laws...": This means Moses has a responsibility to educate the people about God's commands, rules, and principles. "Statutes" often refer to specific rules or regulations, while "laws" can encompass broader principles and guidelines. The emphasis is on providing the Israelites with a foundation of understanding regarding God's will.
"...and shall show them the way in which they must walk...": This goes beyond simply knowing the rules. It emphasizes the need to practically demonstrate how to live according to those rules. It implies guiding them in their daily lives, showing them what righteous conduct looks like in various situations.
"...and the work that they must do.": This refers to the specific responsibilities and duties each person has within the community. It includes their roles in society, their obligations to their neighbors, and their work to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.
In essence, the verse emphasizes that a leader's responsibility is threefold:
1. Education: Imparting knowledge of the rules and principles.
2. Guidance: Demonstrating and modeling how to live according to those rules.
3. Direction: Assigning appropriate roles and responsibilities to each individual.
The overall meaning can be summarized as: Moses needed to not only give the Israelites the laws but also show them how to live by them and what their individual roles were within God's plan. This was critical for establishing a just and righteous society.