Why does Jethro say to Moses, "The thing that thou doest is not good"?

Jethro is not saying Moses is sinful for judging the people. He is saying that the way Moses is doing it is not good for his strength or for the people. Moses is trying to handle every case by himself, from morning till evening. Jethro sees that this will wear Moses out and also leave the people waiting and frustrated. His concern is about the burden being too heavy for one man. He wants Moses to keep serving God, but in a way that is sustainable and helpful for everyone.

What does it mean for Moses to be "for the people to God-ward"?

When Jethro tells Moses to be “for the people to God-ward,” he is saying that Moses should focus on his main calling as the mediator between God and the people. Moses is to bring the people’s hard cases to God, seek God’s will, and then teach God’s laws and ordinances clearly. Instead of handling every small dispute, Moses is to guard his time for prayer, seeking God, and giving guidance. This keeps Moses in his God-given role while others help with everyday judging.

What kind of men was Moses told to appoint as rulers and judges?

Moses is told to choose “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.” They must be capable, not lazy or timid, and they must deeply respect God, knowing they answer to him. They must love truth, not twist words to please people, and they must hate greed, so they cannot be bought or bribed. These men are set over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, so that justice is carried out fairly at every level of the community.

How did this new system of rulers help Moses and the people?

The new system meant that everyday disputes were handled quickly by local rulers, while only the hard and weighty cases were brought to Moses. This made the work lighter for Moses and spread the burden across many trustworthy men. Moses could endure in his calling instead of wearing out. For the people, it meant they could have their cases heard without long delays, and they could go back to their tents in peace. Justice became more orderly and more accessible for everyone.

What does this passage teach about shared leadership and wise counsel?

This passage shows that even a faithful leader like Moses needs help and should be willing to listen to good advice. Jethro sees a problem, speaks plainly, and offers a practical plan, while still honoring God’s authority. Moses listens and obeys. Shared leadership is not a sign of weakness, but a wise way to care for both leaders and people. The story encourages leaders to stay humble, to receive counsel, and to share responsibility with trustworthy, God-fearing people.

Why does Jethro add, "and God command thee so" to his advice?

Jethro is careful not to place his own ideas above God’s will. By saying “and God command thee so,” he is reminding Moses that the plan should only be followed if it fits with what God wants. Jethro is sure the counsel is sound, but he still submits it to God’s approval. This keeps Moses’ call and God’s word above any human plan. It also shows that practical wisdom and spiritual obedience must go together, not pull in different directions.

How can this passage guide leaders and servants of God today?

This passage shows that good work can be done in a bad way if it ignores human limits. Leaders today can learn to focus on what God has especially called them to do, like prayer, teaching, and guiding, and then share other tasks with trustworthy helpers. It encourages choosing helpers for their character, not just their skills. It also invites leaders to listen humbly when someone points out an unhealthy pattern, remembering that God often cares for his servants by sending them wise, loving counsel.

Exod.18.17

Exodus 18:17

KJV

And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

Jethro Counsels Moses

And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

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.

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:

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

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.

So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

¶ And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

Cross References

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