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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 18:15 "Because the people come to me to inquire of God," Moses replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/02_Exo_18_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:15 - Jethro Advises Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Because the people come to me to inquire of God, Moses replied." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.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/18-14.htm" title="Exodus 18:14">◄</a> Exodus 18:15 <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm" title="Exodus 18:16">►</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 />Moses answered him, &#8220Because the people come to me to seek God&#8217s will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, &#8220Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to ask [about the will] of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses replied to his father-in-law, &#8220Because the people come to me to inquire of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses answered, "Because they come here to find out what God wants them to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses answered his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to find out God's will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Moses answered, "I must do this because the people come to me to learn God's will. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses told his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Because the people come to me to inquire of God,? Moses replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses says to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to seek God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses saith to his father-in-law, 'Because the people come unto me to seek God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will say to his father-in-law, Because the people will come to me to seek God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Moses answered him: The people come to me to seek the judgment of God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Moses answered him: “The people come to me seeking the verdict of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses answered his father-in-law, “The people come to me to consult God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Moshe said to his Father in Law, “The people come to me to ask the word from God:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses said unto his father-in-law: 'Because the people come unto me to inquire of God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses says to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to seek judgment from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/18-15.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=4586" 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">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?” <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“Because</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/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: liḏ·rōš (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">to inquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God,”</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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: lə·ḥō·ṯə·nōw (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage."></a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”…<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/1-16.htm">Deuteronomy 1:16-17</a></span><br />At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. / Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/27-5.htm">Numbers 27:5</a></span><br />So Moses brought their case before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">2 Chronicles 19:5-7</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 6:1-4</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/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<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/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<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="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<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="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-57.htm">Luke 12:57</a></span><br />And why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-24.htm">John 7:24</a></span><br />Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moses said to his father in law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God:</p><p class="hdg">to enquire</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Exodus 18:19,20</a></b></br> Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-12.htm">Leviticus 24:12-14</a></b></br> And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/15-34.htm">Numbers 15:34</a></b></br> And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/5-12.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/galatians/1-18.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/17-9.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/25-22.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/7-24.htm">Seek</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-30.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/exodus/18-17.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/exodus/18-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-17.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-36.htm">Seek</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>Because the people come to me to inquire of God,</b><br>This phrase highlights Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the ancient Near Eastern context, leaders often served as intermediaries between the divine and the people. Moses, chosen by God, fulfills this role by providing guidance and judgment based on divine revelation. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where God is the ultimate authority, and Moses acts as His representative. The people's approach to Moses signifies their recognition of his unique relationship with God and their dependence on divine wisdom for their communal and personal issues.<p><b>Moses replied.</b><br>Moses' response to Jethro, his father-in-law, indicates his awareness of his responsibilities and the burden they entail. Historically, Moses' leadership was characterized by direct communication with God, as seen in his encounters on Mount Sinai. This direct line to God set Moses apart from other leaders and prophets, establishing a pattern of prophetic leadership that would continue throughout Israel's history. Moses' role as a type of Christ is evident here, as both serve as mediators between God and humanity, providing guidance, teaching, and intercession. Moses' willingness to serve the people reflects the servant leadership that Jesus exemplifies in the New Testament.<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. He serves as a judge and mediator between God and the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a></b><br>Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and observes his leadership over the Israelites. His observations lead to a significant conversation about leadership and delegation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who have been delivered from Egypt and are now in the wilderness. They come to Moses to seek God's guidance and judgments.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where the Israelites are journeying towards the Promised Land. It is a place of testing, learning, and revelation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/inquiring_of_god.htm">Inquiring of God</a></b><br>The act of seeking divine guidance and wisdom, which Moses facilitates for the people. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God for direction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_burden_of_leadership.htm">The Burden of Leadership</a></b><br>Leadership can be overwhelming when one person tries to handle everything alone. Moses' experience teaches the importance of recognizing one's limits and seeking help.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_mediator.htm">The Role of a Mediator</a></b><br>Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_god.htm">The Importance of Seeking God</a></b><br>The Israelites' desire to inquire of God highlights the necessity of seeking divine wisdom in our decisions and challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/delegation_and_shared_responsibility.htm">Delegation and Shared Responsibility</a></b><br>Effective leadership involves empowering others to share in responsibilities, as seen in Moses' eventual delegation of duties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The community of believers is called to support one another, holding each other accountable and sharing burdens, reflecting the body of Christ.<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/god's_role_with_humans_in_old_testament.htm">How did God interact with humanity in the Old Testament?</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_does_'tarry'_mean.htm">What does Exodus 15:2 signify about God's role?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_exodus_23_9_with_harsh_ot_laws.htm">How do we reconcile the command in Exodus 23:9 to treat foreigners kindly with other Old Testament passages that demand harsh treatment of certain groups?</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>(15, 16) Moses assigns two reasons for his conduct.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Moses said... Because the people come unto me, to inquire of God</span>. To inquire of God is certainly not a mere "juridical phrase," meaning to consult a judge (Kalisch), nor, on the other hand, is it necessarily "to consult God through an oracle." It cannot, however, mean less than to seek a decision from some one regarded as entitled to speak for God; and it is certainly assigned by Moses as the reason why he judged all the causes himself, and did not devolve the duty upon others. They could not be supposed to know the mind of God as he knew it. Jethro, however, points out, that it is one thing to lay down principles, and another to apply them. Moses might reserve the legislative function - the inculcation of principles - to himself, and so still, "be for the people to Godward" (ver. 19); but he might find "able men" among the congregation, quite capable of applying the principles, and delegate to them the judicial function (vers. 21, 22). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-15.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">“Because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</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">come</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלַ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me to inquire</span><br /><span class="heb">לִדְרֹ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(liḏ·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</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">replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/18-15.htm">Exodus 18:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/18-15.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:15 Moses said to his father-in-law Because (Exo. 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