THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
Following Jethro's counsel, Moses designated leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to oversee the people and lessen Moses' burden. Subsequently, Jethro returned to his native land (Ex. 18: 27).
Exodus 18:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
Who may judge the people at all times: and when any great matter soever shall fall out, let them refer it to thee, and let them judge the lesser matters only: that so it may be lighter for thee, the burden being shared out unto others.
וְשָׁפְט֣וּ אֶת־הָעָם֮ בְּכָל־עֵת֒ וְהָיָ֞ה כָּל־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַגָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְכָל־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַקָּטֹ֖ן יִשְׁפְּטוּ־הֵ֑ם וְהָקֵל֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְנָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽךְ׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
Who was Moses? A prophet, a bringer of the Law, a messenger of God. And who was Jethro? A priest of uncertain faith, not among God's chosen people, who had only recently come to a true understanding of the Lord through Moses. “Now,” he proclaimed, “I have seen that the Lord is greater than all gods” (Ex. 18:11). Do you think that Jethro could truly assist Moses in his struggles? Yet, Jethro observed the weight of the people's disputes upon Moses, felt compassion for him, and did not hesitate to extend his support by advising him to implement a system of order and gradual decision-making in his judicial responsibilities.
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This instance, as illustrated in God’s Word, serves to remind us that those who perceive themselves as wise and spiritually enlightened should not belittle those who are simple and imperfect. Conversely, it encourages those who are aware of their imperfections not to become discouraged in their efforts to provide spiritual assistance to their neighbors, according to their abilities and understanding.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Num 11:17That I may come down and speak with thee: and I will take of thy spirit, and will give to them, that they may bear with thee the burden of the people, and thou mayest not be burthened alone.
- Ex 18:26And they judged the people at all times: and whatsoever was of greater difficulty they referred to him, and they judged the easier cases only.
- Num 15:33That they brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole multitude.
- Num 27:2And they stood before Moses and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the people at the door of the tabernacle of the covenant, and said:
- Lev 24:11And when he had blasphemed the name, and had cursed it, he was brought to Moses. (Now his mother was called Salumith, the daughter of Dabri, of the tribe of Dan.)
- Deut 1:17There shall be no difference of persons, you shall hear the little as well as the great: neither shall you respect any man's person, because it is the judgment of God. And if any thing seem hard to you, refer it to me, and I will hear it.
- Deut 1:18And I commanded you all things that you were to do.
- Num 36:1And the princes of the families of Galaad, the son of Machir, the son of Manasses, of the stock of the children of Joseph, came and spoke to Moses before the princes of Israel, and said: