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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 18:13 The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/02_Exo_18_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:13 - Jethro Advises Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/18-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/18-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/18-12.htm" title="Exodus 18:12">◄</a> Exodus 18:13 <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm" title="Exodus 18:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And it came about the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood before Moses from the morning until the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the next day Moses sat to judge [the disputes] the people [had with one another], and the people stood around Moses from dawn to dusk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning until evening. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The next morning Moses sat down at the place where he decided legal cases for the people, and everyone crowded around him until evening. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The next day Moses was settling disagreements among the people. The people stood around Moses from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The next day Moses was settling disputes among the people, and he was kept busy from morning till night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat down to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning until evening. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around him from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />On the next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning to the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />On the next day, Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass on the next day, that Moses sits to judge the people, and the people stand before Moses from the morning to the evening;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass on the morrow, that Moses sitteth to judge the people, and the people stand before Moses, from the morning unto the evening;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be on the morrow, and Moses will sit to judge the people: and they will stand by Moses from the morning to the evening.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the next day Moses sat, to judge the people, who stood by Moses from morning until night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, the next day, Moses sat down in order to judge the people, and they stood beside Moses from morning, even until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat in judgment for the people, while they stood around him from morning until evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The next day Moses sat as judge for the people, while the people stood around him from morning until evening.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass the next day that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood by Moses from morning to evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it was the next day and Moshe sat down to judge the people, and the people were standing over from Moshe from dawn and unto evening.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood about Moses from the morning unto the evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass after the morrow that Moses sat to judge the people, and all the people stood by Moses from morning till evening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/18-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4566" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Jethro Advises Moses</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4283.htm" title="4283: mim·mā·ḥo·rāṯ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- The morrow. Or mochoratham; feminine from the same as machar; the morrow or tomorrow.">The next day</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">took his seat</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: liš·pōṭ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To judge, govern. ">to judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and they stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">around</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1242.htm" title="1242: hab·bō·qer (Art:: N-ms) -- Morn- ing. From baqar; properly, dawn; generally, morning.">morning</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/6153.htm" title="6153: hā·‘ā·reḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Evening. From arab; dusk.">evening.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-18</a></span><br />At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Numbers 11:14-17</a></span><br />I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me. / If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.” / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">2 Chronicles 19:5-10</a></span><br />He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a></span><br />In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Matthew 23:2-4</a></span><br />“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. / They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a></span><br />A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-4</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-6</a></span><br />If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-4</a></span><br />My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a></span><br />For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a></span><br />Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3-4</a></span><br />And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning to the evening.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Judges 5:10</a></b></br> Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/29-7.htm">Job 29:7</a></b></br> When I went out to the gate through the city, <i>when</i> I prepared my seat in the street!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/16-5.htm">Isaiah 16:5</a></b></br> And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/19-2.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/exodus/16-13.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/exodus/5-21.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/exodus/16-24.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/exodus/12-29.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/14-12.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/exodus/11-5.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/15-8.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/5-20.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Evening</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/exodus/19-10.htm">Morrow</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/32-6.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/exodus/25-17.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/exodus/18-22.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/leviticus/15-4.htm">Sitteth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">He gives good counsel, which is accepted</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro departs</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The next day</b><br>This phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, visited him. It suggests a new phase in Moses' leadership responsibilities, highlighting the daily routine and challenges he faced. The timing also emphasizes the immediacy of Jethro's observations and advice.<p><b>Moses took his seat to judge the people</b><br>Moses' role as a judge was crucial in maintaining order and justice among the Israelites. This reflects the theocratic leadership structure where Moses acted as both a spiritual and civil leader. The act of sitting to judge signifies authority and the formal nature of his role. This prefigures Christ as the ultimate judge, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/5-22.htm">John 5:22</a>, where all judgment is entrusted to the Son.<p><b>and they stood around him</b><br>The people standing around Moses indicates their dependence on his wisdom and leadership. It also reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where disputes were settled publicly. This can be compared to the New Testament church, where believers are encouraged to seek wise counsel and resolve conflicts within the community (<a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a>).<p><b>from morning until evening</b><br>This phrase highlights the overwhelming burden on Moses, as he was the sole judge for a large population. It underscores the need for delegation and shared leadership, which Jethro later advises. This situation foreshadows the establishment of a more structured judicial system in Israel, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-18</a>, and points to the need for leaders to rely on others, a principle echoed in the New Testament with the appointment of deacons in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. Here, he is seen acting as a judge for the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_israel.htm">The People of Israel</a></b><br>The Israelites, who have been delivered from Egypt, are now in the wilderness. They come to Moses to seek judgment and guidance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judging.htm">Judging</a></b><br>The act of Moses sitting to judge the people indicates his role as a mediator and leader, providing wisdom and settling disputes among the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/morning_until_evening.htm">Morning until Evening</a></b><br>This phrase highlights the extensive and exhaustive nature of Moses' task, indicating the heavy burden of leadership he carried.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jethro's_visit.htm">Jethro's Visit</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who observes Moses' leadership and later advises him on delegating responsibilities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_burden_of_leadership.htm">The Burden of Leadership</a></b><br>Leadership often involves significant responsibility and can be overwhelming. Moses' example shows the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in fulfilling leadership roles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_delegation.htm">The Importance of Delegation</a></b><br>Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and delegating tasks to others. This not only eases the leader's burden but also empowers others to serve and grow.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wise_counsel.htm">Seeking Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Moses' interaction with Jethro highlights the value of listening to wise counsel. Leaders should remain open to advice and willing to implement changes for the betterment of the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_justice.htm">Commitment to Justice</a></b><br>Moses' dedication to judging the people from morning until evening underscores the importance of justice and fairness in leadership. Leaders should strive to be just and impartial in their decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sustaining_ministry_through_shared_responsibility.htm">Sustaining Ministry through Shared Responsibility</a></b><br>The model of shared responsibility seen in Moses' leadership and the early church serves as a blueprint for sustaining ministry efforts and ensuring that leaders do not become overwhelmed.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_view_lawyers.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on lawyers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_seek_advice_from_jethro_after_god.htm">Why would Moses need leadership advice from a non-Israelite (Exodus 18:13–26) after direct guidance from God elsewhere in Exodus? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_basis_for_small_groups.htm">What is the biblical basis for small group ministry?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">On the morrow.</span>--The day following Jethro's arrival.<p><span class= "bld">Moses sat to judge the people.</span>--The office of prince, or ruler, was in early times regarded as including within it that of judge. Rulers in these ages were sometimes even called "judges," as were those of Israel from Joshua to Samuel, and those of Carthage at a later date (<span class= "ital">suffetes</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>Ability to judge was thought to mark out a person as qualified for the kingly office (Herod. i. 97). Moses, it would seem, had, from the time that he became chief of his nation, undertaken the hearing of all complaints and the decision of all causes. He held court days from time to time, when the host was stationary, and judged all the cases that were brought before him. No causes were decided by any one else. Either it had not occurred to him that the duty might be discharged by deputy, or he had seen reasons against the adoption of such an arrangement. Perhaps he had thought his countrymen unfit as yet for the difficult task. At any rate, he had acted as sole judge, and had, no doubt, to discharge the duty pretty frequently. Knowing that there was much business on hand, he did not allow the visit of his near connection to interfere with his usual habits, but held his court just as if Jethro had not been there.<p><span class= "bld">The people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.</span>--So great was the number of causes, or so difficult were they of decision, that Moses was occupied the whole day in deciding them. Following the usual Oriental practice, he began early in the morning, and found himself compelled to continue until nightfall. It is not clear whether his "sessions" were always of this length, or whether on this occasion the ordinary time was exceeded. Some have suggested that the division of the Amalekite spoil would naturally have led to disputes, and so to complaints.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 13-26.</span> - JETHRO'S ADVICE TO MOSES, AND ITS ADOPTION. The office of ruler in ancient times, whether exercised by a king, a prince, or a mere chieftain, was always understood to include within it the office of judge. In the Greek ideal of the origin of kingly government (Herod. 1:96), the able discharge of judicial functions marks the individual out for sovereignty. The successors of Moses, like the chief rulers of Carthage, bore the title of "Judges" (<span class="accented">shophetim, suffetes</span>). Moses, it appears, had from the time when he was accepted as leader by the people (<a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">Exodus 4:29-31</a>), regarded himself as bound to hear and decide all the causes and complaints which arose among the entire Israelite people. He had net delegated his authority to any one. This can scarcely have been because the idea had not occurred to him, for the Egyptian kings ordinarily decided causes by judges nominated <span class="accented">ad hoc</span>. Perhaps he had distrusted the ability of his countrymen - so recently slaves - to discharge such delicate functions. At any rate, he had reserved the duty wholly to himself (ver. 18). This course appeared to Jethro unwise. No man could, he thought, in the case of so great a nation, singly discharge such an office with satisfaction to himself and others. Moses would "wear himself away" with the fatigue; and he would exhaust the patience of the people through inability to keep pace with the number of cases that necessarily arose. Jethro therefore recommended the appointment of subordinate judges, and the reservation by Moses of nothing but the right to decide such cases as these judges should, on account of their difficulty, refer to him (ver. 22) On reflection, Moses accepted this course as the best open to him under the circumstances, and established a multiplicity of judges, under a system which will be discussed in the comment on verse 25. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">On the morrow</span>. The day after Jethro's arrival. <span class="cmt_word">Moses sat to judge the people</span>. Moses, <span class="accented">i.e</span>., took his seat in an accustomed place, probably at the door of his tent, and. was understood to be ready to hear and decide causes. <span class="cmt_word">The people stood by</span> <span class="cmt_word">Moses.</span> A crowd of complainants soon collected, and kept Moses employed incessantly from the morning, when he had taken his seat, until the evening, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, until nightfall. It is conjectured that many complaints may have arisen out of the division of the spoil of the Amalekites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The next day</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת</span> <span class="translit">(mim·mā·ḥo·rāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4283.htm">Strong's 4283: </a> </span><span class="str2">The morrow, tomorrow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">took his seat</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to judge</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(liš·pōṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">around</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[him]</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">morning</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבֹּ֖קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bō·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dawn, morning</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evening.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָֽרֶב׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ā·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6153.htm">Strong's 6153: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evening</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/18-13.htm">Exodus 18:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:13 It happened on the next day that (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>