Exodus 18:15

KJV

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto his father in law {H2859}, Because the people {H5971} come {H935} unto me to enquire {H1875} of God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe answered his father-in-law, "It's because the people come to me seeking God's guidance.

Berean Standard Bible

“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied.

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:15 captures Moses' direct explanation to his father-in-law, Jethro, regarding the overwhelming nature of his daily responsibilities in judging the Israelites. This pivotal verse clarifies that the people approached Moses not merely for legal disputes, but fundamentally "to enquire of God," seeking divine guidance and resolution through him. It underscores Moses' unique mediatorial role and implicitly highlights the unsustainable burden of singular leadership, thereby setting the stage for Jethro's wise counsel on delegation and establishing a more efficient and sustainable judicial structure for the burgeoning nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Moses' direct and crucial response to Jethro's concerned inquiry in [Exodus 18:14](/exodus/18-14 "Exodus 18:14 - Jethro Questions Moses"). Jethro, having observed Moses sitting alone "from morning unto the evening" while "all the people stood by Moses from the evening unto the evening" ([Exodus 18:13](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13 - Moses Judging the People")), questions the wisdom and sustainability of such an arrangement. Moses' explanation in [Exodus 18:15](/exodus/18-15 "Exodus 18:15 - Moses Explains His Role") and his subsequent elaboration in [Exodus 18:16](/exodus/18-16 "Exodus 18:16 - Moses Teaches God's Statutes") reveal that he serves as the sole conduit for divine justice and instruction, mediating between God and the people. This detailed explanation directly precipitates Jethro's pragmatic and divinely inspired counsel in [Exodus 18:17-23](/exodus/18-17-23 "Exodus 18:17-23 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"), which outlines a system of delegated authority, ultimately leading to a more organized and sustainable governance for Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Exodus 18 occur shortly after the epic deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the momentous covenant establishment at Mount Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 19-20](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). Israel, now a vast multitude numbering potentially in the millions, is a nascent nation in the wilderness, lacking established governmental and judicial structures. Moses, divinely appointed as their leader, prophet, and lawgiver, is the singular point of contact between God and the people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings or tribal leaders often served as chief judges, but the sheer scale of the Israelite population, combined with their unique relationship with Yahweh, made Moses' role unprecedented. The people, having witnessed God's mighty acts and Moses' direct communication with the Almighty, naturally turned to him for all matters, both spiritual and mundane, recognizing him as the authoritative voice of God. This period was critical for shaping Israel's identity, not just as a people delivered, but as a nation governed by divine law, necessitating a functional system for its administration.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Accessibility and Mediation**, showing God's desire to be intimately involved in the daily lives and disputes of His people, even as He uses a human mediator. It underscores the theme of **Leadership and its Burdens**, vividly portraying the overwhelming demands placed upon a singular leader, even one divinely chosen. This sets the stage for the crucial theme of **Delegation and Wise Counsel**, demonstrating that even divinely ordained structures can benefit from pragmatic, Spirit-led wisdom to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **God's Order and Governance**, as the need for a structured judicial system becomes apparent, paving the way for the establishment of laws and judges that will govern the Israelite nation throughout its wilderness journey and into the promised land, as seen in [Numbers 11:16-17](/numbers/11-16-17 "Numbers 11:16-17 - The Appointment of Seventy Elders") and [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](/deuteronomy/1-9-18 "Deuteronomy 1:9-18 - Moses Recounts the Delegation of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This verb (H1875) is rich in meaning, signifying "to seek," "to search," "to resort to," "to consult," or "to frequent." When used in a theological context, especially in conjunction with "God" (Elohim), it denotes a deep, intentional, and often reverent pursuit of divine counsel, instruction, or a divine verdict. It implies more than a casual question; it is a purposeful seeking of God's mind on specific matters, whether legal disputes, moral dilemmas, or personal guidance. This highlights the Israelites' profound spiritual dependency and their understanding that ultimate truth and resolution came directly from God, mediated through Moses.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The use of _ʼĕlôhîym_ (H430), the generic but often majestic plural for God, emphasizes the divine source of the judgments and instructions Moses provided. The people were not merely seeking Moses' personal opinion or human wisdom, but the very word and will of the sovereign Creator. This underscores Moses' unique position as the divinely appointed mediator, through whom the transcendent God communicated His immanent will to His people. Their coming "to enquire of God" was an act of faith and submission to divine authority, recognizing the ultimate authority resided with the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto his father in law":** This phrase immediately establishes the intimate and personal conversational context. Moses is directly addressing Jethro, his respected father-in-law, in response to Jethro's observation and question from the preceding verses. This indicates a relationship of trust and openness, allowing Moses to articulate the immense burden he carries without reservation. It's a personal explanation, not a public declaration, setting a tone of shared concern and seeking counsel.
* **"Because the people come unto me":** This clause reveals the practical reality of Moses' daily life and the overwhelming nature of his sole leadership. The sheer volume and constant flow of people coming to him underscore the perpetual demand on his time and energy. It paints a vivid picture of individuals and groups approaching him from morning till evening, highlighting the impracticality and unsustainability of the current system. This direct observation is the immediate cause of the exhaustion Jethro noted.
* **"to enquire of God":** This is the theological heart of the verse, clarifying the profound *reason* the people came to Moses. They were not merely seeking a human judge or an administrative decision; they were seeking a divine arbiter. They understood Moses as the unique conduit through whom God's will, statutes, and judgments were revealed and applied to their specific situations. This phrase emphasizes Moses' crucial mediatorial role, where he stood between a holy God and His people, conveying divine wisdom and resolving disputes according to God's revealed truth. It speaks to the Israelites' foundational understanding that God was intimately involved in their daily lives and disputes, and that Moses was the designated channel for His guidance.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Dialogue** as a literary device, presenting a direct, personal conversation between Moses and Jethro that serves to reveal the core problem and set the stage for its resolution. Moses' explanation functions as a clear **Exposition**, detailing the nature of his exhausting duties and the spiritual demand driving the people's constant approach. There is an implicit **Hyperbole** in the broader narrative of [Exodus 18:13](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13 - Moses Judging the People") describing "all the people" standing "from morning unto the evening," which powerfully emphasizes the overwhelming and unsustainable nature of Moses' burden, though the current verse focuses on the *reason* for that burden. This situation also serves as a strong **Foreshadowing** of the imperative need for delegated leadership and a more structured judicial system, which Jethro will pragmatically propose. Furthermore, Moses' role as the sole point of contact for divine inquiry highlights the **Symbolism** of his unique mediatorial position, a role that will later find its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:15 profoundly illustrates the themes of divine accessibility, the nature of leadership, and the necessity of wise counsel. The Israelites' consistent desire "to enquire of God" demonstrates a foundational understanding of God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in the minutiae of His people's lives, providing wisdom and justice. Moses' unique position as the sole mediator, while divinely appointed, proved to be an unsustainable burden, highlighting the limits of even the most gifted human leader. This passage underscores the principle that even divinely ordained structures can benefit from practical wisdom and delegation, ensuring that God's people can effectively access His guidance without overwhelming their leaders. It points to the importance of distributed leadership and shared responsibility within God's community, recognizing that God often works through the collective wisdom and giftedness of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](/deuteronomy/1-9-18 "Deuteronomy 1:9-18 - Moses Recounts the Delegation of Judges")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Many Counselors")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 18:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly concerning our posture towards God and our approach to leadership within the community of faith. Just as the Israelites sought God's direct guidance through Moses for every aspect of their lives, we too are called to "enquire of God" in our contemporary context. This involves a consistent posture of prayer, diligent study of His Word, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading in our daily decisions, disputes, and spiritual growth. The overwhelming burden on Moses also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of healthy leadership structures and the necessity of delegation within the church and other communities. No single individual is meant to bear the entire weight of spiritual guidance and administration. We are called to recognize and affirm the diverse gifts within the body of Christ, sharing responsibilities to prevent burnout, foster communal growth, and ensure that God's wisdom remains accessible to all. This passage encourages us to seek and offer wise counsel, recognizing that God often works through the collective wisdom of His people, and that humility in leadership allows for greater effectiveness and sustainability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as New Covenant believers, "enquire of God" in our daily lives, and what practices help us hear His voice more clearly?**
* **In what areas of our lives or ministries might we be attempting to carry burdens alone that God intends for us to share through delegation or by seeking wise counsel?**
* **How does our understanding of God's desire to be involved in our "everyday affairs" (as seen in the Israelites' seeking of justice) shape our approach to prayer and decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people come to Moses specifically to "enquire of God"?**

Answer: The people came to Moses because he was uniquely positioned as God's chosen mediator and prophet. From the burning bush ([Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush")) to the giving of the Law at Sinai ([Exodus 19-20](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai")), Moses had demonstrated an unparalleled, direct relationship with Yahweh. He spoke with God "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" ([Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - God Speaks to Moses Face to Face")). Therefore, when the people had disputes, questions about God's statutes, or needed divine wisdom for their lives, they naturally sought the one through whom God had consistently revealed His will. They understood that Moses was not merely offering his own judgment, but God's divine word and decree.

**How does this verse set the stage for Jethro's advice to Moses?**

Answer: Exodus 18:15 is crucial because it provides the *reason* for the unsustainable situation Jethro observed. Jethro saw Moses overwhelmed and the people exhausted from waiting ([Exodus 18:13-14](/exodus/18-13-14 "Exodus 18:13-14 - Jethro Observes Moses' Workload")). When Moses explains that the people come "to enquire of God," Jethro understands the profound spiritual and practical need driving the demand. This explanation allows Jethro to offer not just a superficial solution, but a divinely inspired, systemic change that addresses the core issue: how to efficiently and justly administer God's law to a vast nation while preserving Moses' unique mediatorial role for the most weighty matters ([Exodus 18:17-23](/exodus/18-17-23 "Exodus 18:17-23 - Jethro's Counsel on Delegation")). Without Moses' explanation, Jethro's counsel might have seemed an overreach or a misunderstanding of Moses' divine calling; instead, it becomes a wise and necessary intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 18:15, with its emphasis on the people coming to Moses "to enquire of God," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediator, Jesus Christ. Moses served as a type of Christ, standing between God and humanity, conveying divine truth and administering justice. However, Moses' mediatorial role, though divinely appointed, was limited and ultimately unsustainable, as evidenced by the overwhelming burden he carried. In contrast, Christ is the **Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!** ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the **one mediator between God and mankind** ([1_timothy/2-5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")), and the **great high priest who has passed through the heavens** ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Through Christ, we no longer need to approach a human mediator to "enquire of God"; rather, we are invited to **draw near with confidence to the throne of grace** ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace")), having direct and perpetual access to the Father through His Son. Jesus is not merely a conduit for God's word; He **is the Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the full and final revelation of God, in whom **all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden** ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures are Hidden")). He perfectly fulfills the people's deepest need to "enquire of God" by being the very wisdom and righteousness of God, making known the Father and granting us eternal life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 27:5

And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.

Numbers 15:34

And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

Leviticus 24:12

And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.

Leviticus 24:14

Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard [him] lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.

Numbers 9:6

And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:

Deuteronomy 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Deuteronomy 17:13

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.