The Church Fathers on this verse

Exodus 18:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And they judged the people at all times: and whatsoever was of greater difficulty they referred to him, and they judged the easier cases only.

Douay-Rheims

וְשָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם בְּכָל־עֵ֑ת אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַקָּשֶׁה֙ יְבִיא֣וּן אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה וְכָל־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַקָּטֹ֖ן יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ הֵֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Basil the Great

4th centuryChurch Father

Having a wise and supportive advisor is truly a significant blessing, especially for those lacking in discernment who seek guidance. The case of Moses illustrates this point powerfully; despite his experience and the wisdom he received in Egypt (Acts 7:22), he conversed with God as one speaks to a close friend (cf. Exodus 33:11). Interestingly, he also sought advice from his father-in-law, Jethro, regarding the appointment of leaders over various groups to serve as judges (cf. Exodus 18:21-22). Additionally, David relied on the counsel of Hushai, whose advice ultimately overturned the strategies of Ahithophel (cf. 2 Sam. 17:14). Generally, a council represents something sacred—a harmony of intentions, born from love and a testament to humility.

Read more (71 words)

It is a serious folly to assume that one does not require the insights of others, fixating solely on one’s own judgment as the most sound. We often resist yielding to those who impart crucial lessons and hesitate to acknowledge their greater wisdom. Furthermore, when one waits for counsel but allows personal reasoning to take precedence, it can lead to a protracted and arduous process of uncovering what is truly necessary.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.