Exodus 18:16

KJV

When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws.

KJV (with Strong's)

When they have a matter {H1697}, they come {H935} unto me; and I judge {H8199} between one {H376} and another {H7453}, and I do make them know {H3045} the statutes {H2706} of God {H430}, and his laws {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whenever they have a dispute, it comes to me; I judge between one person and another, and I explain to them God's laws and teachings."

Berean Standard Bible

“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.”

American Standard Version

when they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:16 encapsulates Moses' overwhelming and multifaceted responsibilities as the sole spiritual and judicial authority for the nascent Israelite nation. This verse highlights his dual, all-consuming role: resolving the people's legal and social disputes, and more significantly, serving as the unique conduit through whom God's divine statutes and laws were revealed and interpreted, thereby shaping the community's moral, social, and spiritual identity. It vividly portrays the immense personal burden of centralized leadership and the critical need for accessible divine guidance in the daily lives of God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 18:16 is strategically placed within the narrative of Jethro's pivotal visit to Moses in the wilderness, following Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and their encampment at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 18:13-15](/exodus/18-13-15 "Exodus 18:13-15 - Moses Judging the People All Day"), meticulously describe Moses' exhaustive daily routine, where he sat "from morning until evening" adjudicating every dispute and question brought by the vast multitude of Israelites. This singular, all-consuming role as judge and teacher is presented as unsustainable, leading directly to Jethro's insightful and transformative counsel in [Exodus 18:17-23](/exodus/18-17-23 "Exodus 18:17-23 - Jethro's Wise Counsel for Delegation"). Jethro advises Moses to delegate judicial responsibilities to capable men, reserving only the most difficult cases and the crucial task of teaching God's ways for himself. Thus, verse 16 serves as the immediate and vivid illustration of the problem that prompts a foundational shift in Israel's judicial and administrative structure, moving from a centralized, single-point leadership to a more distributed model.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the Israelites were a newly liberated people, transitioning from generations of slavery in Egypt to forming a distinct nation under God's covenant. They were traversing the challenging wilderness, lacking established legal codes, sophisticated judicial systems, or a formalized governance structure. Moses, as God's chosen prophet and deliverer, was the singular authority figure, responsible for every facet of their communal existence. The "matters" brought to him would have spanned a wide spectrum, from mundane property disputes and personal grievances to complex questions of ritual purity, dietary laws, and proper worship, all against the backdrop of their nascent covenant relationship with Yahweh at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings or tribal chiefs often served as ultimate arbiters, but Moses' role was unique: his judgments and teachings were presented as direct divine revelation, making him not merely a human leader but a divinely appointed intermediary. This period was crucial for establishing the foundational laws and societal norms that would define Israel's identity as God's covenant people, as detailed in the comprehensive laws given in [Exodus 20-23](/exodus/20-23 "Exodus 20-23 - The Ten Commandments and Covenant Laws").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Law-Giving**, emphasizing that God's will is not only to be known but also applied to the practicalities of daily life. Moses' role as the conduit for "the statutes of God, and his laws" underscores the divine origin and authority of Israel's legal and moral framework. Secondly, it explores the theme of **Justice and Governance**, illustrating the foundational need for an equitable system to maintain order and righteousness within a community. Moses' tireless efforts to "judge between one and another" are a testament to this. Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Leadership Burden and Delegation**, setting the stage for Jethro's counsel. Moses' singular, overwhelming responsibility foreshadows the necessity for a distributed leadership model, a principle that would become crucial for Israel's future and is later seen in the appointment of elders (cf. [Numbers 11:16-17](/numbers/11-16-17 "Numbers 11:16-17 - The Spirit on the Elders")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Providence and Care** for His people, providing not only miraculous deliverance but also the necessary structure and guidance for their communal life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Matter (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This versatile Hebrew term (דָּבָר, H1697) literally means "word," but its semantic range is exceptionally broad, encompassing "thing," "affair," "case," "dispute," "command," or "report." In this context, it refers to any issue, question, or legal dispute brought before Moses for resolution or clarification. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the people's reliance on Moses for guidance in every facet of their lives, from the mundane to the spiritual, indicating the constant flow of diverse problems.
* **Judge (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** The verb (שָׁפַט, H8199) means "to judge," "to govern," "to decide a controversy," or "to administer justice." Moses' role was not merely to arbitrate disputes but to render authoritative decisions based on divine wisdom and, increasingly, on God's revealed law. This function of judging was intrinsically linked to his role as a leader and governor of the people, signifying his authority to pronounce sentence and vindicate.
* **Make them know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb (יָדַע, H3045) is a primitive root meaning "to know," but in its causative Hiphil stem here, it means "to make known," "to instruct," "to teach," or "to cause to discern." This highlights Moses' profound role as a divine educator. He was not simply applying existing human laws but was actively revealing, interpreting, and instructing the people in God's own "statutes" and "laws," thereby imparting divine knowledge and understanding essential for their covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they have a matter, they come unto me;"**: This clause vividly depicts the constant stream of people approaching Moses with their various "matters" or disputes. It underscores the complete reliance of the Israelite community on Moses as the sole point of contact for all legal, social, and spiritual guidance. The sheer volume implied by the daily, "morning until evening" activity (cf. [Exodus 18:13](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13 - Moses Judging the People")) highlights the unsustainable nature of this centralized system.
* **"and I judge between one and another,"**: This part describes Moses' primary judicial function. He acts as the arbiter, hearing both sides of a dispute and rendering a verdict. This was a critical role for maintaining order and justice within the nascent nation, preventing chaos and ensuring fairness. His judgments were authoritative and final, stemming from his unique relationship with God as the divine intermediary.
* **"and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws."**: This final clause reveals the deeper, more profound aspect of Moses' ministry. Beyond merely settling disputes, he was the divine educator and revealer of truth. He was not simply applying existing human laws but was actively revealing and interpreting God's own "statutes" (fixed decrees, _chôq_) and "laws" (broader divine instruction or Torah, _tôwrâh_). This highlights his role as the primary channel of divine revelation, foundational for Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh, providing the very framework for their communal and individual lives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition** and **Juxtaposition** to underscore Moses' singular, overwhelming role. The repeated first-person pronoun "I" ("I judge," "I do make them know") emphasizes that Moses alone bore this immense responsibility, implicitly highlighting the burden it placed upon him. This sets the stage for Jethro's intervention, which recognizes the impracticality and unsustainability of such a centralized system. Furthermore, there is a subtle but powerful **Juxtaposition** between the mundane "matters" of the people (their daily disputes and grievances) and the profound "statutes of God, and his laws" that Moses imparts. This contrast highlights Moses' unique mediatorial position, bridging the gap between the earthly concerns of the people and the divine will of God. The very structure of the verse, moving from the people's need to Moses' dual response (judging and teaching), functions as a form of **Exposition**, clearly laying out the comprehensive scope of his daily duties and the source of his authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:16 profoundly illustrates the early stages of God's covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing the critical role of divine revelation and the establishment of justice within the community. Moses' dual function as judge and teacher demonstrates that God's law is not merely a set of rules for punishment, but comprehensive instruction intended to guide every aspect of life, fostering righteousness and order. It underscores the principle that true justice must be rooted in divine truth and that spiritual guidance is essential for societal well-being. The verse also implicitly introduces the theme of the immense burden of leadership, foreshadowing the need for wise delegation and the distribution of spiritual and administrative responsibilities within God's people, a pattern that would later be established for the benefit of the community and the leader.

* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16-17 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Moses' Charge to the Judges")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection and Benefit of God's Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:7-8](/nehemiah/8-7-8 "Nehemiah 8:7-8 - Ezra and the Levites Teaching the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 18:16 offers timeless lessons for both leadership and discipleship in the contemporary church and individual Christian life. For leaders, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense responsibility of stewarding God's truth and administering justice, but also of the vital importance of recognizing personal limits and the wisdom of delegation. No single individual can bear the full weight of a community's spiritual and practical needs; healthy spiritual communities thrive when gifted individuals are empowered to share in the ministry of teaching, discernment, and care, reflecting the principle of distributed ministry seen in the New Testament. For every believer, this verse underscores the foundational truth that our lives, our disputes, and our decisions should be continually brought before God's revealed will. Just as the Israelites needed to "know the statutes of God, and his laws," we too must diligently immerse ourselves in Scripture, seeking its guidance for every "matter" we face, trusting that God's Word provides the ultimate framework for justice, wisdom, and flourishing. It calls us to a life where biblical principles are not abstract theories but practical guides for resolving conflict, pursuing righteousness, and living in alignment with God's character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "matters" of your life do you most need God's wisdom and guidance today, and how are you seeking it?**
* **How does the church today ensure that God's "statutes and laws" (His Word) are made known and applied in practical, accessible ways to all its members?**
* **What lessons can leaders learn from Moses' initial, unsustainable burden, and Jethro's subsequent counsel regarding healthy delegation and shared ministry?**
* **How can you personally grow in your understanding and application of God's "statutes and laws" in your daily interactions, decisions, and relationships?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "matters" did the Israelites bring to Moses?**

Answer: The "matters" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) brought to Moses were comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of issues typical of a nomadic, newly formed nation without established legal or social structures. These would have included civil disputes (e.g., property boundaries, theft, personal injury), family issues (e.g., inheritance, marriage disputes), and religious questions (e.g., issues of ritual purity, dietary laws, interpretation of divine commands). Essentially, any question or conflict that arose within the community, from the mundane to the sacred, was brought to Moses because he was the sole recognized authority and the direct conduit for God's will, as seen in his explanation to Jethro in [Exodus 18:15](/exodus/18-15 "Exodus 18:15 - Moses' Explanation to Jethro").

**Why was Moses the only one judging and teaching?**

Answer: At this early stage of Israel's formation, Moses was uniquely positioned as God's chosen prophet and leader, the one through whom God had delivered the people from Egypt and was now giving His covenant and laws at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"). His direct communication with God made him the ultimate authority and interpreter of divine will. There was no established judicial system or body of elders yet formally appointed to share this burden. This singular responsibility, while highlighting Moses' unique calling, also proved to be an unsustainable model, as Jethro wisely observed and addressed in [Exodus 18:17-23](/exodus/18-17-23 "Exodus 18:17-23 - Jethro's Counsel on Delegation"), leading to the establishment of a delegated judicial system.

**What is the difference between "statutes" and "laws" as used in this verse?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in English, the Hebrew terms "statutes" (_chôq_) and "laws" (_tôwrâh_) carry distinct nuances. "Statutes" (_chôq_, plural _chuqqim_) generally refer to specific, fixed decrees, ordinances, or prescribed rules, often implying a non-negotiable, divinely established boundary or command. They are the specific, unchangeable requirements. "Laws" (_tôwrâh_, plural _torot_) has a broader meaning, encompassing "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." While it includes specific commands, _Torah_ refers to the entire body of God's revealed will, guiding the people in a way of life that honors their covenant with Him. Thus, Moses was not only making known specific divine decrees but also providing comprehensive instruction on how to live righteously according to God's character and purposes, as detailed in the subsequent chapters of the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 18:16, with Moses serving as the sole judge and instructor of God's laws, powerfully foreshadows the multifaceted ministry of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant, bore the immense burden of interpreting and applying God's will to a rebellious people. Yet, his pivotal role was but a shadow of the ultimate Judge and Law-Giver, Jesus. Christ is not merely one who makes known God's statutes; He is the living Word, the very embodiment of God's law and truth, through whom all things were made (cf. [John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He perfectly judges with righteousness and equity, not based on human wisdom, but on inherent divine authority, for the Father has committed all judgment to the Son (cf. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate teacher and interpreter of God's will, clarifying and fulfilling the Law, not abolishing it, but bringing it to its intended purpose (cf. [Matthew 5:17-20](/matthew/5-17-20 "Matthew 5:17-20 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Unlike Moses, who struggled under the burden and required delegation, Jesus, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers His followers to discern and live by God's truth, distributing spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). He is our perfect Advocate and Judge, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world and leads us into the fullness of God's perfect law, which is love (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

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

Exodus 24:14

And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur [are] with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

Deuteronomy 4:5

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

2 Samuel 15:3

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right; but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee.

1 Corinthians 6:1

¶ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

Deuteronomy 5:1

¶ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:2

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.