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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 18:23 If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/02_Exo_18_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:23 - Jethro Advises Moses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace." /><script 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.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/18-22.htm" title="Exodus 18:22">◄</a> Exodus 18:23 <a href="/exodus/18-24.htm" title="Exodus 18:24">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/exodus/18.htm">New International Version</a> If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” <a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.” <a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a> If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a> If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.” <a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their places in peace.” <a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” <a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” <a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If you will do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure [the responsibility], and all these people will also go [back] to their tents in peace.” <a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.” <a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.&#8221 <a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace. <a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This is the way God wants it done. You won't be under nearly as much stress, and everyone else will return home feeling satisfied. <a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace. <a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If God commands you, and you do this, you will be able to continue your work, and all these people will have their disagreements settled so that they can go home." <a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> If you do this, as God commands, you will not wear yourself out, and all these people can go home with their disputes settled." <a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> If you do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will also go to their homes in peace." <a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.? <a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a> If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will be able to go home satisfied." <a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all of these people also will go to their place in peace." <a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace. <a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a> If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If you do this thing, and God has commanded you, then you have been able to stand, and all this people also goes to its place in peace.” <a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> If thou dost this thing, and God hath commanded thee, then thou hast been able to stand, and all this people also goeth in unto its place in peace.' <a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If thou shalt do this word, and God commanded thee, and thou shalt be able to stand, and all this people shall go to their place in peace.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If thou dost this, thou shalt fulfil the commandment of God, and shalt be able to bear his precepts: and all this people shall return to their places with peace. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If you will do this, you will fulfill the orders of God, and you will be able to uphold his precepts. And this entire people will return to their places in peace.” <a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a> If you do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people, too, will go home content.” <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their home in peace.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If you shall do this thing, and God commands you so, then you shall be able to endure, and all this people shall also go each one to his own house in peace. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if you do this thing God commands you, also you can stand, also all these people, each one, shall depart to his house in peace.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.' <a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> If thou wilt do this thing, God shall strengthen thee, and thou shalt be able to attend, and all this people shall come with peace into their own place. <a href="/parallel/exodus/18-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4660" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Jethro Advises Moses</a> …22Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you. 23<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</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/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you follow</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">advice</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">and God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: wə·ṣiw·wə·ḵā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms:: 2ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">so directs you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: wə·yā·ḵā·lə·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">then you will be able</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">to endure,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">these</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."></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.">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.">can go</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">home</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: ḇə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">in peace.”</a> 24Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-18</a> 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. ... <a href="/numbers/11-14.htm">Numbers 11:14-17</a> 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. ... <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a> 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 ... <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a> 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?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ... <a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">2 Chronicles 19:5-10</a> 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.” ... <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a> For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a> Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a> Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a> Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a> if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a> And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-12</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-13</a> This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ... <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Titus 1:5-9</a> The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ... <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If you shall do this thing, and God command you so, then you shall be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.God<a href="/exodus/18-18.htm">Exodus 18:18</a> Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.<a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Genesis 21:10-12</a> Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac… <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6,7,22</a> But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD… and all this<a href="/exodus/16-29.htm">Exodus 16:29</a> See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.<a href="/genesis/18-33.htm">Genesis 18:33</a> And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.<a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25</a> And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Able</a> <a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Command</a> <a href="/exodus/17-1.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/exodus/16-28.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/exodus/16-29.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/exodus/12-49.htm">Home</a> <a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/luke/13-24.htm">Strain</a> <a href="/genesis/27-46.htm">Weariness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/6-26.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/exodus/24-12.htm">Command</a> <a href="/exodus/19-7.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/exodus/20-6.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-14.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/exodus/20-12.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-9.htm">Home</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-20.htm">Satisfied</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Strain</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Weariness</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 18</div>1. <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">He gives good counsel, which is accepted</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro departs</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>If you follow this advice This phrase refers to the counsel given by Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who advised Moses to delegate his judicial responsibilities to capable men. This advice is rooted in the wisdom literature tradition, emphasizing the importance of wise counsel (<a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>). It highlights the biblical principle of shared leadership and the necessity of seeking guidance from others, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the appointment of deacons in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a>.and God so directs you This acknowledges the sovereignty and guidance of God in decision-making. It underscores the importance of seeking divine approval and direction in all plans, aligning with the biblical principle that human plans must be submitted to God's will (<a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a>). This phrase also reflects the theocratic nature of Israel's leadership, where God is the ultimate authority.then you will be able to endure The endurance mentioned here pertains to Moses' ability to sustain his leadership role without becoming overwhelmed. This is a practical application of wisdom, ensuring that leaders do not burn out. It connects to the New Testament teaching on perseverance and the importance of running the race with endurance (<a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>).and all these people can go home in peace. This outcome emphasizes the communal benefit of wise leadership and delegation. The peace mentioned is not just the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "shalom." It points to the ultimate peace found in Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (<a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a>), and foreshadows the peace that believers are called to live in and promote (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, tasked with guiding them through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers him wise counsel on how to manage the burden of leadership. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God, who have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness under Moses' leadership. 4. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> The region where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, comes from. It is significant as a place of refuge for Moses before he returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a> The setting of the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges as they learn to trust and obey God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Seeking advice from godly and experienced individuals can provide clarity and direction in leadership and personal decisions. <a href="/topical/d/delegation_as_a_leadership_principle.htm">Delegation as a Leadership Principle</a> Effective leadership involves recognizing one's limitations and empowering others to share responsibilities, ensuring sustainability and peace. <a href="/topical/g/god's_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">God's Guidance in Decision-Making</a> While human advice is valuable, it is crucial to seek God's direction to ensure that decisions align with His will and purpose. <a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_shared_burdens.htm">Endurance Through Shared Burdens</a> Sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load for leaders but also fosters community and peace among the people. <a href="/topical/p/peace_as_a_result_of_orderly_leadership.htm">Peace as a Result of Orderly Leadership</a> When leadership is structured and responsibilities are clearly defined, it leads to peace and satisfaction within the community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18</a> <a href="/q/bible's_advice_for_long_life.htm">What guidance does the Bible give for longevity?</a> <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 href="/q/why_would_god_displace_nations_for_israel.htm">In Exodus 23:23-31, why would a just God command the displacement of entire nations for Israel's sake?</a> <a href="/q/paul's_view_on_faith_and_salvation.htm">What defines Christian psychology?</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>(23) If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so.--A reference of the entire matter to God, before any final decision was made, is plainly indicated. Moses must have already had some mode of consulting God on any point which required to be settled, and obtaining an answer. Was it by the "Urim and Thummim"?Thou shalt be able to endure.--Comp. <a href="/exodus/18-18.htm" title="You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you: for this thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it yourself alone.">Exodus 18:18</a>, where the inability of Moses to endure, unless he made some change, was strongly asserted.And all this people shall also go to their place in peace.--The people, i.e., will go on their way to Canaan peacefully and contentedly, without suffering the inconvenience to which they are now subject.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - And God command thee so. Jethro does not suppose that Moses will take his advice without further consultation. He assumes that the matter will be laid by Moses before God, and God's will learnt concerning it. The entire narrative supposes that there was some established means by which the Israelite leader could refer a matter to Jehovah and obtain a decision upon it. This can scarcely have been as yet the Urim and Thummim. Probably Moses held frequent communication with Jehovah by means of waking visions. Thou shalt be able to endure - i.e., "the work will not be too much for thee - thou wilt be able to bear it." This people shall also go to their place in peace. The "place" intended would seem to be Palestine. Keil supposes that the word "peace" is to be taken literally, and concludes from it that breaches of the peace had previously been frequent, the people having "often taken the law into their own hands on account of the delay in the judicial decision;" but this is to extract from the words more than they naturally signify. "In peace" means "cheerfully, contentedly." If the changes which he recommends are carried out, Jethro thinks that the people will make the rest of the journey to Canaan quietly and contentedly, without complaint or dissatisfaction. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If אִ֣ם (’im) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you follow תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that advice הַדָּבָ֤ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause and God אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative so directs you, וְצִוְּךָ֣ (wə·ṣiw·wə·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order you will be able וְיָֽכָלְתָּ֖ (wə·yā·ḵā·lə·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power to endure, עֲמֹ֑ד (‘ă·mōḏ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations and וְגַם֙ (wə·ḡam) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every these הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock can go יָבֹ֥א (yā·ḇō) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go home מְקֹמ֖וֹ (mə·qō·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition in peace.” בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (ḇə·šā·lō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/18-23.htm">Exodus 18:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/18-23.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:23 If you will do this thing (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:24" /></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>