Exodus 18:23

KJV

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee [so], then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou shalt do {H6213} this thing {H1697}, and God {H430} command {H6680} thee so, then thou shalt be able {H3201} to endure {H5975}, and all this people {H5971} shall also go {H935} to their place {H4725} in peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you do this - and God is directing you to do it - you will be able to endure; and all these people too will arrive at their destination peacefully."

Berean Standard Bible

If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”

American Standard Version

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:23 encapsulates the profound benefits of Jethro's strategic counsel to Moses, outlining the positive outcomes for both leader and community if a system of delegated judicial authority is implemented under divine sanction. This verse affirms that such an organizational structure would enable Moses to sustain his demanding leadership role without succumbing to exhaustion, while simultaneously ensuring that the vast Israelite population could resolve their disputes efficiently, returning to their daily lives with a profound sense of order, justice, and holistic well-being. It powerfully underscores the critical interplay between sound human wisdom and explicit divine command as the foundation for true societal flourishing and the enduring effectiveness of leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 18:23 serves as the culminating statement and conditional promise within the significant narrative of Jethro's visit to Moses in the wilderness. The preceding verses vividly portray Moses as the sole arbiter of every dispute among the millions of Israelites, a monumental and unsustainable task that left both him and the people exhausted from morning till evening, as detailed in [Exodus 18:13-18](/exodus/18-13-18 "Exodus 18:13-18 - Moses' Overwhelming Judicial Burden"). Jethro, Moses' Midianite father-in-law and a priest, keenly observes this unsustainable situation and offers remarkably pragmatic counsel: Moses should appoint capable, God-fearing, trustworthy men to serve as judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, reserving only the most difficult cases for himself, as elaborated in [Exodus 18:19-22](/exodus/18-19-22 "Exodus 18:19-22 - Jethro's Strategic Counsel to Moses"). Verse 23 functions as the critical conditional clause, articulating the dual positive consequences—for Moses' endurance and the people's peace—if this strategic delegation is implemented and, crucially, if it receives God's explicit command and approval.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this counsel is the vast and challenging wilderness, where the recently liberated Israelite nation, potentially numbering millions, was in a nascent state of formation and organization. Managing such a colossal population, newly freed from centuries of slavery and navigating an unfamiliar, harsh terrain, demanded immense organizational structure and judicial order. In ancient Near Eastern societies, tribal leaders or patriarchs often served as judges, but the sheer scale of Israel's population made a single judicial authority, even one as divinely appointed as Moses, utterly impractical and inefficient. Jethro’s advice, therefore, reflects a pragmatic understanding of governance and human capacity, drawing on principles common in organized societies of the time. It also implicitly acknowledges the unique position of Moses as not merely a human leader but God’s primary mediator, whose authority, physical well-being, and sustained effectiveness were absolutely vital for the entire nation’s journey to the promised land. The pivotal phrase "and God command thee [so]" highlights that while Jethro's counsel was sound human wisdom, it required divine sanction to be truly legitimate and effective for God's covenant people, distinguishing it from mere human expediency or political maneuvering.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 18:23 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Order and Governance**. God is not a God of chaos, but of order, and this passage illustrates how His will can be expressed through wise, practical structures that facilitate justice and well-being within His people. It also powerfully underscores the theme of **Human Limitation and the Necessity of Delegation**. Even divinely appointed leaders like Moses have finite capacity, and God often works through the empowerment and distribution of responsibility among many, rather than concentrating all burdens on one individual. This ties into the theme of **Community Flourishing and _Shalom_**, demonstrating that proper governance leads to a state of holistic peace and well-being for the entire nation. Finally, the critical condition "and God command thee [so]" reinforces the overarching theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, emphasizing that all human plans, no matter how logical or beneficial, must ultimately align with and receive the explicit approval of God to be truly blessed and effective for His purposes, as seen throughout Israel's journey from [Exodus 13](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire") to the establishment of the Law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) From דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing. In this context, "this thing" refers comprehensively to Jethro's entire proposal for establishing a delegated judicial system, encompassing the "matter" or "affair" of appointing judges and structuring the legal process. It signifies the practical, tangible plan of action.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) Plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God. Here, it refers to the one true God, Yahweh, emphasizing that the command and sanction for Jethro's plan must come from the ultimate divine authority, not merely from human wisdom or expediency.
* **command (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** (H6680) A primitive root; (intensively) to constitute, enjoin. This verb denotes an authoritative instruction, a divine decree, or a clear mandate. The phrase "and God command thee [so]" is crucial, indicating that Jethro’s human wisdom, while sound, was not sufficient on its own; the plan required God’s explicit endorsement and authorization to become a divinely sanctioned strategy for governance.
* **endure (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** (H5975) A primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive). While the KJV translates this as "endure," the Hebrew verb more literally means "to stand," "to stand firm," "to remain," or "to continue." In this context, it conveys that Moses would be able to sustain his leadership and remain effective, rather than collapsing under the immense pressure or burning out from the overwhelming burden of single-handedly judging the entire nation. It speaks to resilience and continued functionality.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** (H7965) From שָׁלַם; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace. The Hebrew word encompasses far more than the mere absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, completeness, and harmony. For the people to "go to their place in peace" means they would return to their homes or encampments with their disputes resolved, their minds at rest, a sense of justice prevailing, and a general state of flourishing and order within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou shalt do this thing":** This opening clause establishes a clear condition, referring directly to Jethro's comprehensive counsel given in the preceding verses ([Exodus 18:19-22](/exodus/18-19-22 "Exodus 18:19-22 - Jethro's Strategic Counsel")). It specifically points to Moses' implementation of a delegated judicial system, where he would appoint capable, God-fearing men to judge lesser matters, reserving only the most difficult cases for himself. This clause presents the human action upon which the subsequent benefits are contingent.
* **"and God command thee [so]":** This is a critical theological qualifier that elevates the human counsel to a divinely sanctioned strategy. It indicates that the success and legitimacy of Jethro's plan are not solely dependent on Moses' actions or Jethro's wisdom, but fundamentally on God's divine approval and explicit instruction. This underscores the principle that human endeavors, especially those concerning the governance of God's people, must ultimately align with and be sanctioned by His sovereign will.
* **"then thou shalt be able to endure":** This is the first promised outcome, directly benefiting Moses. It signifies that by delegating responsibilities and receiving divine authorization, Moses would be relieved of his overwhelming burden, allowing him to sustain his physical, mental, and spiritual capacity for leadership without succumbing to exhaustion or burnout. His ability to "stand firm" (as per the root meaning of 'amad') would ensure his continued effectiveness as God's chosen leader for the long journey ahead.
* **"and all this people shall also go to their place in peace":** This is the second promised outcome, benefiting the entire community. It means that the people, having their disputes resolved efficiently and justly by the appointed judges, would return to their tents or encampments with a profound sense of order, contentment, and wholeness. The "peace" (_shalom_) here implies not just the absence of conflict but a comprehensive state of communal well-being, satisfaction, and proper functioning, indicative of a well-governed society where justice is accessible and prevalent.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 18:23 is a **Conditional Clause**, clearly structured as "If... then...". This grammatical construction precisely links the proposed action—Moses implementing the delegated system with God's command—to its direct and highly beneficial consequences for both Moses and the people. This highlights the foundational cause-and-effect relationship inherent in wise governance and faithful obedience to divine instruction. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of **Parallelism** in the outcomes: Moses' personal endurance is presented in parallel with the people's communal peace. This structural balance emphasizes that effective leadership and good governance yield reciprocal benefits, impacting both the individual leader's capacity and the collective well-being of the community. The passage also functions as a piece of **Wisdom Literature**, as Jethro's counsel, though embedded within a historical narrative, provides timeless and universal principles for leadership, delegation, and the establishment of order, echoing the practical wisdom found in sapiential books like Proverbs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:23 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological and thematic principles that transcend its immediate historical context. It highlights the divine wisdom inherent in **delegation and shared leadership**, demonstrating that even God's most uniquely chosen leaders are not meant to bear every burden alone. God designs systems that promote sustainability for leaders and foster order and justice for the community, underscoring that human effort, no matter how well-intentioned or logical, requires **divine sanction and guidance** for true and lasting success. The resulting "peace" (_shalom_) is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being that flows from a justly ordered society operating under God's blessing. This passage teaches us that God is a God of order, and His will often involves empowering others to contribute to the common good, leading to flourishing for all. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the body of Christ, where diverse gifts contribute to the health of the whole.

* [Deuteronomy 1:9-18](/deuteronomy/1-9-18 "Moses Recounts the Appointment of Judges")
* [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "The Apostles Delegate Service to Deacons")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order, Not Disorder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principles embedded in Exodus 18:23 remain profoundly relevant for leaders and individuals in all spheres of life today, from family units to corporate structures and church ministries. It challenges us to honestly assess our own capacity and humbly recognize the inherent limits of individual effort. Are we, like Moses, attempting to "do it all," leading to personal burnout, inefficiency, and frustration for those we serve, when wise delegation could bring greater effectiveness, sustainability, and communal peace? This passage calls us to embrace the wisdom of empowering others, not merely to lighten our own load, but to foster growth, responsibility, and collective flourishing within our families, workplaces, churches, and communities. Crucially, it reminds us that even the most logical and well-intentioned plans must be submitted to God for His command and blessing. True "endurance" and genuine "peace" come not from our own strength or cleverness, but from aligning our efforts with divine will. This requires a posture of humility, consistent prayer, and careful discernment, always seeking God's guidance in our decision-making processes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life, leadership role, or personal responsibilities might you be trying to "do it all" and thus need to consider wise, God-honoring delegation?**
* **How do you actively seek and discern God's "command" or approval when making significant decisions, even those that seem purely practical or logical?**
* **What specific steps can you take to foster greater "peace" (_shalom_) and order within your immediate sphere of influence, whether at home, work, or church?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "endurance" for Moses resonate with the challenges you face in sustaining your own commitments, ministry, or personal well-being?**

### FAQ
**Was Jethro's advice truly from God, or just human wisdom?**

Answer: Jethro's advice was a remarkable example of sound human wisdom and practical insight, demonstrating that God can use various means and individuals, even those outside the direct covenant community, to bring about His purposes. However, the crucial phrase "and God command thee [so]" in [Exodus 18:23](/exodus/18-23 "Jethro's Counsel and Divine Command") indicates that Moses did not implement the plan based solely on Jethro's counsel. Moses, as God's primary mediator, would have sought and received divine confirmation and authorization. This highlights the principle that even the best human plans and the wisest counsel require God's sanction to be truly legitimate, blessed, and effective for His covenant people and His overarching purposes.

**How does this passage relate to leadership in the church today?**

Answer: This passage provides a foundational principle for **delegation** and **shared leadership** within the church. Just as Moses could not handle all the judicial burdens of Israel, pastors and church leaders cannot, and should not, bear every responsibility. The principle encourages the equipping and empowering of other capable, godly individuals for ministry, as seen in the early church's appointment of deacons to handle practical matters, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "The Apostles Delegate Service to Deacons"). This leads to healthier, more sustainable leadership, prevents burnout, and fosters a more peaceful, functional, and participatory body of believers, where every member contributes their gifts to the common good, reflecting God's design for order and mutual support within His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 18:23, while a practical lesson in governance and leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses' need for delegation to "endure" and avoid exhaustion points to the inherent limitations of human leadership, even that divinely appointed. Jesus, however, is the perfect and enduring Leader, the King who never grows weary or needs to delegate out of personal exhaustion. He is the one who truly offers rest from burdens, inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and find rest for their souls, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Jesus' Invitation to Rest"). The "peace" (_shalom_) that the Israelites sought by having their disputes resolved and returning to their "place" finds its ultimate reality in the comprehensive peace Christ provides—peace with God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Peace Through Christ's Blood") and the peace He leaves with His disciples, a peace the world cannot give [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus Gives Peace"). Furthermore, Christ Himself, as the Head of the Church, perfectly embodies the principle of wise delegation and empowerment. He commissioned His disciples, empowered them with the Holy Spirit, and gifted the church with apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, building up the body of Christ to maturity [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Gifts for the Church's Equipping"). Thus, the order and peace sought in Exodus 18:23 are fully realized and eternally secured in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally and ensures His people ultimately reach their true "place in peace" in His eternal kingdom.

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 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.

1 Samuel 8:6

But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD.

1 Samuel 8:7

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

1 Samuel 8:22

And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city.

Genesis 18:33

And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

2 Samuel 18:3

But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.

Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.