Exodus 18:18

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.

Thou wilt surely {H5034} wear away {H5034}, both thou, and this people {H5971} that is with thee: for this thing {H1697} is too heavy {H3515} for thee; thou art not able {H3201} to perform {H6213} it thyself alone.

You will certainly wear yourself out - and not only yourself, but these people here with you as well. It's too much for you - you can't do it alone, by yourself.

Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.

Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Commentary

Exodus 18:18 presents a crucial piece of wisdom offered by Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, observing the overwhelming workload Moses had taken upon himself after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. This verse highlights the unsustainable nature of trying to bear all responsibilities alone.

Context

Following the miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, Moses was serving as the sole judge and mediator for millions of people. From morning until evening, he would sit, listening to disputes and making judgments, a task that was not only exhausting for him but also incredibly time-consuming for the people seeking justice. Jethro, a priest of Midian, arrived to visit Moses and quickly recognized the immense strain this solitary leadership placed on his son-in-law and the entire community.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Overwork and Burnout: Jethro's stark warning, "Thou wilt surely wear away," speaks to the physical and mental exhaustion that comes from attempting to shoulder an impossible burden. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable leadership and recognizing one's limits.
  • The Necessity of Delegation: The core message is that no single individual, no matter how capable or divinely appointed, can effectively manage all aspects of a large community or organization alone. This verse lays the groundwork for the biblical principle of sharing responsibility.
  • Wisdom from Counsel: Jethro, though an outsider to Israel's direct covenant with God, provided invaluable, practical advice born of experience and observation. This underscores the value of seeking and heeding wise counsel, even from unexpected sources.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wear away" (Hebrew: nabol) literally means to "fade away," "wither," or "fall off," like a leaf or flower. It vividly paints a picture of Moses' strength and vitality diminishing due to the heavy load. The term "too heavy" (Hebrew: kaved) implies a burden that is literally weighty and oppressive, beyond his capacity to carry by himself.

Related Scriptures

Jethro's advice led to a system of delegated authority, where Moses appointed leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. This organizational structure is later affirmed and developed, as seen in God's instruction to Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leadership (Numbers 11:16-17). Moses himself recounts this pivotal moment and the establishment of judges in Deuteronomy 1:9-18, acknowledging the wisdom of Jethro's counsel.

Practical Application

Exodus 18:18 holds timeless lessons for leaders and individuals today. It teaches that attempting to do everything oneself leads to exhaustion, inefficiency, and ultimately, a disservice to those being led. Modern leadership principles, whether in the church, business, or family, often echo this biblical wisdom about the importance of delegation, building strong teams, and empowering others. Recognizing one's limitations and seeking help or counsel are not signs of weakness but of wisdom and a commitment to long-term effectiveness and well-being.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 11:14

    I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me.

  • Numbers 11:17

    And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.

  • Acts 6:1

    ¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

  • Acts 6:4

    But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

  • Philippians 2:30

    Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

  • Deuteronomy 1:9

    ¶ And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:
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