Exodus 18:23

Exodus 18:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”

King James Version KJV

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

American Standard Version ASV

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.

Bible in Basic English BBE

If you do this, and God gives approval, then you will be able to go on without weariness, and all this people will go to their tents in peace.

Free Bible Version FBV

If you follow my advice, and if it's what God tells you to do, then you will be able to survive, and all these people can go home satisfied that their cases have been heard.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If thou do this thing, (and God so command thee) both thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go quietly to their place.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If thou dost this thing, and God hath commanded thee, then thou hast been able to stand, and all this people also goeth in unto its place in peace.'

World English Bible WEB

If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If thou dost this, thou shalt fulfill the commandment of God, and shalt be able to bear his precepts: and all this people shall return to their places with peace.

Translation for Translators T4T

If you do that, and I think that God is telling you to do it (OR, if God tells you to do it), you will not become exhausted, and all the people will be able to go home feeling satisfied about the decisions, with their disputes settled quickly”.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִ֣ם אֶת הַ/דָּבָ֤ר הַ/זֶּה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְ/צִוְּ/ךָ֣ אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְ/יָֽכָלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד וְ/גַם֙ כָּל הָ/עָ֣ם הַ/זֶּ֔ה עַל מְקֹמ֖/וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְ/שָׁלֽוֹם

אִ֣ם ʼim H518 if Conj

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דָּבָ֤ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

וְ/צִוְּ/ךָ֣ tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

וְ/יָֽכָלְתָּ֖ yâkôl H3201 be able Conj | V-Qal-2ms

עֲמֹ֑ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/גַם֙ gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מְקֹמ֖/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms | Suff

יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בְ/שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 Peace Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:23

אִ֣ם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/דָּבָ֤ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

וְ/צִוְּ/ךָ֣ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

וְ/יָֽכָלְתָּ֖ yâkôl H3201 "be able" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

עֲמֹ֑ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Inf-a

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

וְ/גַם֙ gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הַ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מְקֹמ֖/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms | Suff

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

יָבֹ֥א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בְ/שָׁלֽוֹם shâlôwm H7965 "Peace" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.

Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.

Study Notes — Exodus 18:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 18:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:23
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:23
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:23
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:23
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:23
Sermons on Exodus 18:23

Context — Jethro Advises Moses

21Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

23If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”

24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Samuel 8:6–7	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. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.
2	Exodus 18:18	Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.
3	1 Samuel 8:22	“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”
4	Genesis 21:10–12	and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!” Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.
5	2 Samuel 18:3	But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will pay no attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better for now if you support us from the city.”
6	Genesis 18:33	When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home.
7	Genesis 30:25	Now after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can return to my homeland.
8	Galatians 2:2	I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
9	Philippians 1:24–25	But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
10	Acts 15:2	And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.

Exodus 18:23 Summary

This verse, Exodus 18:23, is saying that if Moses listens to the advice he was given and God agrees with it, then Moses will be able to handle all his responsibilities and the people will be able to go home happy and at peace. This is similar to what we read in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It's a reminder that when we seek God's guidance and follow His lead, we can trust that He will give us the strength and wisdom we need to get through tough times, as also promised in Isaiah 40:31 where those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the condition for Moses to be able to endure and the people to go home in peace?

According to Exodus 18:23, the condition is if Moses follows the advice given to him and God so directs him, as is also seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

Why is it important for leaders to have capable and trustworthy men to help them?

Having capable and trustworthy men to help leaders, as seen in Exodus 18:21-22, allows them to share the load and make decisions that are in line with God's will, as also taught in Matthew 20:26-28 where leadership is about serving others.

How does this verse relate to the concept of delegation in leadership?

This verse shows that delegation is not just about sharing tasks, but also about seeking God's direction and guidance, as is also emphasized in Psalm 37:3-7 where we are instructed to trust in the Lord and commit our way to Him.

What is the ultimate goal of following this advice?

The ultimate goal, as stated in Exodus 18:23, is for Moses to be able to endure and for all the people to go home in peace, reflecting the heart of God for His people's well-being as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 where He promises to prosper them and give them hope for a future.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's direction and guidance, just like Moses did?
How can I apply the principle of delegation in my own life, whether in leadership or in personal responsibilities?
What does it mean for me to 'endure' in my own circumstances, and how can I trust God to give me the strength to do so?
In what ways can I prioritize the well-being and peace of those around me, just as Moses did for the people of Israel?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:23

If thou shall do this thing,.... Hearken to the advice given, and put it in execution, by choosing out of the people, and placing over them, judges qualified, as directed: and God command thee so;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:23

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:23

If God approve of the course which I suggest, to whose wisdom I submit my opinion. For Jethro might well think that Moses neither would nor might make so great an alteration in the government without consulting God about it, and expecting his answer. Others render the place thus, both God will give thee his commands, i.e. thou wilt have leisure to ask and take his counsel in all emergencies, which now thou hast not, and thou wilt be able to endure. To their place; to their several habitations, which are called men’ s places, 9:55 19:28,29; where their calling and business lies, from which they are now diverted and detained by fruitless and wearisome attendances. In peace, orderly and quietly, having their minds much eased by this course, and their contentions soon ended.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:23

Exodus 18:23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee [so], then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.Ver. 23. To their place.] To the Promised Land, or to their own homes, well apaid, and with good content.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:23

(23) If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so.—A reference of the entire matter to God, before any final decision was made, is plainly indicated. Moses must have already had some mode of consulting God on any point which required to be settled, and obtaining an answer. Was it by the “Urim and Thummim”? Thou shalt be able to endure.—Comp. Exodus 18:18, where the inability of Moses to endure, unless he made some change, was strongly asserted. And all this people shall also go to their place in peace.—The people, i.e., will go on their way to Canaan peacefully and contentedly, without suffering the inconvenience to which they are now subject.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:23

Verse 23. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee] Though the measure was obviously of the utmost importance, and plainly recommended itself by its expediency and necessity; yet Jethro very modestly leaves it to the wisdom of Moses to choose or reject it; and, knowing that in all things his relative was now acting under the immediate direction of God, intimates that no measure can be safely adopted without a positive injunction from God himself. As the counsel was doubtless inspired by the Divine Spirit, we find that it was sanctioned by the same, for Moses acted in every respect according to the advice he had received.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:23

23. this thing] Their position in the Heb. shews that these words are emphatic. command thee so] i.e. approve and sanction thy doing this. go to their place in peace] return quickly to their houses satisfied, without having to stand all the day before Moses (v. 14).

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:23

To their place - i. e. to Canaan, which is thus recognized by Jethro as the appointed and true home of Israel. Compare Numbers 10:29-30.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:23

23. To their place — Some think that Jethro here refers to Canaan as the promised home or place of Israel.

Sermons on Exodus 18:23

	Sermon	Description
	But the Thing Displeased samuel.... by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the moment when Samuel was displeased with the people's demands for a king, emphasizing the importance of bringing our burdens and frustrations to God in pra
	Our Daily Homily - 1 Samuel by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of pouring out one's soul to God, as exemplified by Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel. He illustrates how this act of surrender leads to di
	Free Grace by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he boldly proclaims a doctrine that goes against human merit and challenges the righteousness of moralists. He acknowle
	Man's Extremity - God's Opportunity by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes that Isaac represents the work of God through Abraham, contrasting it with Ishmael, who was born from Abraham's own strength. He explains that true service to
	Communion With God--No. 1 by Charles Finney	Charles Finney emphasizes the profound nature of communion with God, explaining that it involves a deep, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, characterized by mutual consult
	(Genesis) - Part 24 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and how God disciplined him to transform him into a man of God. Jacob had deceived his father and brother, but through tw
	Galatians Chapter 2 by Chip Brogden	In this video, Chip Brogdon continues his study in the Book of Galatians. He emphasizes the question of whether a Christian is under the law or under grace. He explains that the go