Exodus 18:19

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Hearken {H8085} now unto my voice {H6963}, I will give thee counsel {H3289}, and God {H430} shall be {H1961} with thee: Be thou for the people {H5971} to God-ward {H4136}{H430}, that thou mayest bring {H935} the causes {H1697} unto God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So listen now to what I have to say. I will give you some advice, and God will be with you. You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases to God.

Berean Standard Bible

Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him.

American Standard Version

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God be with thee: be thou for the people to God-ward, and bring thou the causes unto God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:19 records Jethro's crucial, divinely affirmed counsel to Moses, addressing the unsustainable burden of single-handedly judging the vast Israelite multitude. This verse delineates Moses' unique and indispensable role as the primary intermediary between the people and God, particularly for the most complex legal and spiritual matters, thereby setting the stage for the delegation of judicial authority while preserving Moses' singular function as the one uniquely positioned to bring the most difficult "causes unto God."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's early organization in the wilderness, immediately following Jethro's observation of Moses' overwhelming workload. Prior to this counsel, Moses bore the entire judicial responsibility, sitting "from the morning unto the evening" as the people brought their disputes before him ([Exodus 18:13](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13 - Moses Judging the People Alone")). Jethro, recognizing the severe strain on both Moses and the people, declares, "The thing that thou doest is not good: thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee" ([Exodus 18:17-18](/exodus/18-17-18 "Exodus 18:17-18 - Jethro's Observation of Moses' Burden")). The counsel in verse 19, therefore, serves as the foundational principle for the subsequent, practical delegation of authority to "rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens" ([Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Jethro's Counsel to Appoint Leaders")). This strategic restructuring, later recounted by Moses in [Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses Recounts the Delegation of Authority"), ensures that only the most challenging cases are brought to Moses, while he retains the ultimate and unique responsibility of presenting these matters directly to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, newly liberated from Egyptian bondage, constituted a vast, rapidly growing, and diverse population, numbering in the millions. Their transformation from a collection of families into a nascent nation necessitated the establishment of coherent social, legal, and administrative structures, which were largely non-existent at this stage. In ancient Near Eastern societies, rulers often served as final arbiters of justice, but the sheer scale of the Israelite population presented an unprecedented administrative challenge. Moses, as God's chosen leader and covenant mediator, possessed unique spiritual authority but faced physical limitations in managing such a multitude. Jethro, a priest of Midian, likely brought valuable insights from his own cultural background regarding tribal governance and the delegation of authority. His wisdom, combined with divine sanction, provided a practical and immediate solution to a pressing administrative crisis, demonstrating God's provision for His people's needs through both direct revelation and human sagacity. This event precedes the formal giving of the Mosaic Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"), where more explicit judicial statutes would be established, making Jethro's counsel a crucial precursor to the nation's legal framework.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:19 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating God's care for His people not only through miraculous deliverance but also through practical, administrative solutions mediated by human wisdom. It underscores the theme of **Leadership and Delegation**, illustrating that even divinely appointed leaders are not meant to bear burdens alone and that effective governance requires empowering others. The verse also emphasizes Moses' unique role as a **Mediator and Intercessor**, standing between God and His people, bringing their concerns and disputes before the divine presence. This role is central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai and foreshadows the need for a perfect mediator. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Wisdom**, affirming that ultimate wisdom and righteous judgment reside with God, to whom all difficult matters should ultimately be referred. The entire narrative of Jethro's counsel, from his observation to Moses' implementation, exemplifies a practical application of wisdom for the well-being of the community, ensuring that justice is accessible and sustainable for all the people of Israel, as seen in [Exodus 18:24-26](/exodus/18-24-26 "Exodus 18:24-26 - Moses Implements Jethro's Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _yâʻats'_ H3289):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to advise," "to deliberate," or "to resolve." In this context, it signifies Jethro's well-considered, strategic, and wise guidance offered to Moses. It implies not merely a suggestion but a thoughtful and divinely approved course of action for effective leadership and governance. The use of this word underscores the profound and deliberate nature of Jethro's intervention, which is presented as a solution to a critical administrative problem.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ H430):** This plural noun, often used with the article to refer to the supreme God, signifies the divine being to whom Moses is directed. In the phrase "to God-ward" (H4136, _mûwl_, meaning "opposite" or "towards," combined with H430), and "unto God," it emphasizes that the ultimate authority, wisdom, and source of justice for Israel's most complex matters reside solely with the Almighty. Moses' role is to facilitate this divine encounter, acknowledging God as the ultimate judge and arbiter.
* **Causes (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** From a root meaning "to speak," this word refers broadly to a "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair." Here, in the plural, it specifically denotes the various disputes, legal cases, or matters requiring judgment that the people brought to Moses. It encompasses the full spectrum of issues, from civil disagreements to more profound ethical or religious questions, all of which required divine wisdom for proper adjudication, highlighting the comprehensive nature of Moses' judicial burden.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hearken now unto my voice":** Jethro begins his counsel with an earnest and direct appeal to Moses to listen attentively. This opening phrase underscores the gravity and importance of the advice that follows, framing it not as a command but as an invitation to receive profound wisdom from an experienced elder and astute observer. It sets a tone of respectful yet authoritative guidance.
* **"I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee":** Jethro offers his advice with a powerful assurance of divine backing. This is not merely human sagacity but counsel that is blessed and sanctioned by God Himself, implying that the proposed course of action aligns perfectly with God's will for Moses and the people. This spiritual endorsement elevates the practical wisdom, providing confidence in its implementation.
* **"Be thou for the people to God-ward":** This pivotal clause defines Moses' unique and irreplaceable role within the delegated system. He is to stand as the singular representative of the people before God, acting as their advocate and intermediary. This highlights his distinct calling as the one who facilitates the divine-human encounter for the nation, especially in matters of justice, revelation, and the interpretation of God's will.
* **"that thou mayest bring the causes unto God":** This specifies the practical outworking of Moses' "God-ward" orientation. His ultimate and non-delegable responsibility is to present the most difficult and significant disputes—those that lesser judges cannot resolve—directly to God for divine judgment and resolution. This ensures that the final authority and ultimate wisdom for the nation's most critical matters reside with God alone, reinforcing His sovereignty over Israel's justice system.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 18:19 skillfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Direct Address** is prominently featured, as Jethro speaks personally and directly to Moses ("Hearken now unto my voice"), lending an intimate, urgent, and authoritative tone to his counsel. The phrase "God shall be with thee" functions as a potent form of **Divine Endorsement**, signaling that Jethro's human wisdom is not merely secular but carries divine approval and blessing, thereby elevating the counsel beyond mere suggestion to a divinely sanctioned strategy. The language used throughout the verse is highly **Prescriptive**, offering clear instructions and definitively outlining Moses' specific, non-delegable role and responsibilities ("Be thou for the people... that thou mayest bring..."). Furthermore, Moses' unique role as the one who brings the people's "causes unto God" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, prefiguring the later establishment of the Levitical priesthood and, more profoundly, the ultimate role of Jesus Christ as the great High Priest and intercessor who continually brings humanity's needs, prayers, and sins before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:19 profoundly illustrates the principle of delegated authority under divine oversight, a cornerstone of effective governance and spiritual leadership within God's people. It underscores that even divinely appointed leaders like Moses are not meant to bear burdens alone, and that God's wisdom can be channeled through human counsel, even from outside the immediate covenant community. The verse highlights Moses' unique role as an intercessor, standing between God and His people, a theme that recurs throughout biblical history with various figures. It teaches the importance of discerning core responsibilities—what only the leader can do (bring matters to God) versus what can be delegated—and emphasizes that ultimate wisdom and justice reside with God, to whom all difficult matters should ultimately be brought. This passage sets a precedent for structured leadership within the community of faith, ensuring both efficiency and divine alignment.

* [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](/deuteronomy/1-9-18 "Deuteronomy 1:9-18 - Moses Recounts the Delegation of Authority")
* [Numbers 27:15-17](/numbers/27-15-17 "Numbers 27:15-17 - Moses Seeks a Successor")
* [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 18:19 offers timeless wisdom for leadership, spiritual guidance, and personal life, resonating deeply with contemporary challenges. It reminds us that even those with extraordinary callings, like Moses, need wise counsel and cannot sustain immense burdens alone without risking burnout and hindering the very people they serve. For leaders in any sphere—church, family, or workplace—this verse challenges us to identify our unique, non-delegable responsibilities—those "causes" that only we can bring "to God-ward"—while humbly empowering and equipping others to handle the rest. This requires a profound humility to receive and act upon advice, a keen discernment to understand one's true calling and limitations, and the courage to delegate effectively. For every believer, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that when faced with overwhelming challenges, complex decisions, or profound difficulties that seem beyond human resolution, our ultimate recourse is to "bring the causes unto God." It encourages a posture of persistent prayer, humble surrender, and unwavering reliance on divine wisdom, recognizing that God is the ultimate arbiter, the source of all true justice, and the wellspring of all guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or leadership am I attempting to bear a burden that God intends for me to share or delegate to others?**
* **From whom do I regularly seek wise counsel, and am I truly open to receiving and acting upon it, even if it challenges my current approaches or assumptions?**
* **What specific "causes" or difficult situations in my life do I need to intentionally "bring unto God" through prayer, trusting Him for ultimate wisdom, resolution, and peace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, offer this counsel instead of God directly?**

Answer: God often works through human agents and natural wisdom, even when direct revelation is readily available. Jethro, as a priest of Midian and Moses' elder, possessed practical experience in tribal governance and a spiritual sensitivity that allowed him to discern the unsustainable nature of Moses' workload. This event powerfully demonstrates God's multi-faceted approach to guiding His people. It highlights that divine wisdom can be mediated not solely through miraculous pronouncements or direct commands, but also through trusted, experienced individuals whose counsel God Himself endorses, as evidenced by the phrase "God shall be with thee" ([Exodus 18:19](/exodus/18-19 "Exodus 18:19 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses")). It also underscores the importance of humility in leadership, showing that even a divinely appointed leader like Moses was open to receiving and implementing wise counsel from an external source.

**What does "to God-ward" mean for us today?**

Answer: For Moses, "to God-ward" meant standing as the unique representative of the people before God, bringing their most complex legal and spiritual issues directly to the divine presence for ultimate judgment and resolution. For believers today, this phrase signifies a fundamental orientation towards God in all aspects of life. It means approaching our challenges, decisions, and conflicts with a primary focus on God's will and wisdom. When we face overwhelming problems, ethical dilemmas, or personal struggles that seem beyond our capacity, "bringing the causes unto God" means seeking His guidance through fervent prayer, diligent study of His Word, and trusting in His sovereign plan and provision. It aligns perfectly with the New Testament teaching to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him")) and to "in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" ([Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious")). It is a profound call to live a life continually directed towards and utterly dependent upon God for all wisdom and help.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 18:19, in its depiction of Moses as the one uniquely positioned to stand "for the people to God-ward" and bring their "causes unto God," serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate, perfect intercessory work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the mediator of the Old Covenant and the one through whom God delivered His judgments and instructions, foreshadowed the perfect and permanent mediation of Christ. While Moses could only bring the people's matters *to* God, Jesus, as the incarnate Son, is Himself God, perfectly bridging the infinite gap between humanity and divinity. He is our great High Priest, who "always lives to intercede for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Permanent Intercessor")), not just for complex legal disputes, but for our very sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings. He has entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Intercession")), presenting our "causes"—our prayers, our needs, our repentance, and our very lives—before the Father. Unlike Moses, who was a temporary mediator for a specific people and time, Jesus is "the one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator")), whose intercession is eternal, perfectly effective, and universally available, ensuring that all who come to God through Him are fully reconciled, justified, and eternally secure ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")).

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.

Deuteronomy 5:5

(I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,

Genesis 39:2

And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Exodus 20:19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Deuteronomy 20:1

¶ When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.