QT 3/24/2026 Exo 18:13-27, The answer lies in God's rule

Exodus 18:13–27 (ESV) —

13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”

24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. 27 Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.

 

NOTE: I believe Jethro's advice was very good for a couple of reasons. One reason is what Jethro said, you will be worn out. A court system where easier cases are decide at a lower level is wise. Choosing godly men is wise (our system does not choose godly men). The second reason is that power, in time, goes to the head. A person becomes puffed up with too much power. I am not saying that would have happened to Moses, but it was a danger. In the least case, he would have become a workaholic with no time for his family.

 

Another question is why does this advice come from Jethro and not from God? God gives a list of commands and instructions but God does not prescribe government, that I am aware. God assumes a theocracy in his commands but he also gives commands for a monarchy, not prescribing a monarchy but rather, if and when, this is what a king needs to do. So, Jethro's opinion is really a government function and idea.

 

There is no perfect government until God rules upon the earth. Democracy is not good. Our version which is not democracy but a constitutional republic with representative institutions is failing. The only good government will be when God rules completely.

 

PONDER:

1. So I see politics as the answer to our world problems or do I see God's rule?
2. Where do I place my hope? In institutions, political parties, or changed hearts?

 

PRAYER: Father, I so look forward to your rule on earth. This world is falling apart, and it must break your heart. I pray for a good witness so that people would see Jesus in me.