Exodus 18:17

Context

In Exodus 18:17, Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, delivers a blunt but necessary assessment of Moses' leadership style. Jethro had come to visit Moses in the wilderness, bringing Moses' wife Zipporah and his two sons. Upon observing Moses' daily routine, where he sat from morning till evening to judge every dispute among the Israelites (Exodus 18:13-16), Jethro immediately recognized an unsustainable and inefficient system. This verse marks the beginning of Jethro's wise counsel, aimed at preserving Moses' strength and ensuring justice for the multitude.

Key Themes

• Wise Counsel: Jethro, an outsider, offers valuable advice to Moses, demonstrating the importance of seeking and accepting counsel from trusted sources, even if it challenges current practices.
• Leadership Efficiency: The phrase "not good" highlights the inefficiency and potential for burnout in Moses' solo leadership approach. It underscores the need for sustainable and scalable leadership models.
• Delegation and Burden-Sharing: This verse sets the stage for Jethro's subsequent suggestion to delegate responsibilities, a crucial principle for effective governance and preventing a leader from becoming overwhelmed (Exodus 18:21-22).
• Care for the People: Jethro's concern extends not only to Moses' well-being but also to the people, who were likely experiencing long waits and potential delays in justice due to Moses' solitary workload.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "not good" is lo tov (לֹא טוֹב). While simple, it carries significant weight. It's a direct, unequivocal statement of disapproval or unsuitability. It doesn't mean "bad" in a moral sense, but rather "unprofitable," "unwise," "ineffective," or "detrimental." Jethro isn't condemning Moses' intentions but critiquing the practical outcome of his method, emphasizing that it will wear out both Moses and the people.

Practical Application

Exodus 18:17 offers timeless lessons for leadership in any sphere—personal, professional, or spiritual:

• Avoid Burnout: Leaders, like Moses, often feel the weight of responsibility. Jethro's warning serves as a reminder that overworking is "not good" for the leader's health or the organization's long-term effectiveness. It's essential to recognize personal limits and seek ways to alleviate excessive burdens.
• Embrace Delegation: Effective leadership requires empowering others. Learning to delegate tasks and responsibilities not only lightens the leader's load but also develops the capabilities of those being led. This principle is later reflected in the early church's practice of choosing deacons to handle practical matters (Acts 6:3-4).
• Value External Counsel: Sometimes, an outside perspective can identify problems we're too close to see. Jethro, though not an Israelite, provided invaluable wisdom. Leaders should cultivate humility and be open to advice from trusted mentors, colleagues, or even subordinates.
• Sustainability in Service: For any endeavor to endure, its structure must be sustainable. Moses' initial method was not. This verse prompts us to evaluate our methods and systems to ensure they are built for the long haul, promoting efficiency, justice, and well-being for all involved.