Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Exodus 18:21

Next

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Moreover thou shalt provide {H2372} out of all the people {H5971} able {H2428} men {H582}, such as fear {H3373} God {H430}, men {H582} of truth {H571}, hating {H8130} covetousness {H1215}; and place {H7760} such over them, to be rulers {H8269} of thousands {H505}, and rulers {H8269} of hundreds {H3967}, rulers {H8269} of fifties {H2572}, and rulers {H8269} of tens {H6235}:

But you should choose from among all the people competent men who are God-fearing, honest and incorruptible to be their leaders, in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Commentary

Exodus 18:21 presents Jethro’s inspired counsel to Moses, outlining the foundational principles for establishing a just and efficient judicial system for the burgeoning nation of Israel. This verse details the essential character traits required for those who would serve as leaders and judges among the people, from rulers of thousands down to rulers of tens.

Context

This verse is part of a pivotal narrative where Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, observes Moses’ overwhelming workload. Moses was single-handedly judging all disputes for the vast Israelite population, a task that was clearly unsustainable and exhausting for both him and the people. Jethro wisely advises Moses to delegate authority, sharing the immense burden of leadership. This administrative restructuring was crucial before Israel entered the Promised Land and established a more permanent societal structure, reflecting divine wisdom through practical counsel.

Key Themes

  • Wise Delegation and Administrative Structure: The verse introduces a hierarchical system of governance, breaking down the massive task of judging into manageable units. This foresight prevented burnout and ensured that justice could be dispensed more broadly and efficiently across the community.
  • Qualities of Godly Leadership: The core of Jethro's advice lies in the stringent character requirements for these appointed leaders. They must be "able men," "fear God," be "men of truth," and "hate covetousness." These attributes underscore the critical importance of integrity, piety, honesty, and a disinterest in personal gain for anyone in a position of authority.
  • Justice and Equity: By establishing a system with leaders possessing these qualities, the aim was to ensure that justice was accessible, fair, and impartial for all Israelites, from the most complex cases handled by Moses to simpler disputes resolved by local leaders.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Able men" translates the Hebrew anshim chayil (אֲנָשִׁים חַיִל), which signifies men of strength, valor, competence, and capability. It suggests individuals who are not only physically strong but also morally and intellectually robust, suitable for leadership.
  • "Fear God" (yirei Elohim - יִרְאֵי אֱלֹהִים) implies a deep reverence, respect, and obedience to God. This foundational quality ensures that judgments are made with divine wisdom and righteousness, recognizing God as the ultimate authority. This concept is central to biblical wisdom, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
  • "Men of truth" emphasizes honesty, reliability, and faithfulness. These leaders must be trustworthy and committed to upholding truth in their judgments, not swayed by popular opinion or personal bias.
  • "Hating covetousness" (son'ei batza - שֹׂנְאֵי בָצַע) literally means "haters of unjust gain" or "haters of bribes." This crucial qualification highlights the importance of impartiality and incorruptibility, ensuring that judgments are not swayed by personal profit, gifts, or any form of illicit gain. This aligns with the spirit of the Tenth Commandment against coveting.

Related Scriptures

  • This administrative structure is later reaffirmed and implemented, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:13-18, where Moses recounts the selection of these leaders.
  • The principle of delegating burdens and appointing qualified individuals is echoed in the New Testament when the apostles needed help with daily administration to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3-4).
  • The required character for these leaders foreshadows the qualifications for elders and deacons in the New Testament church, emphasizing blamelessness, integrity, and not being greedy for money (1 Timothy 3:2-7, Titus 1:7-9).

Practical Application

  • Leadership Selection: Exodus 18:21 provides timeless criteria for selecting leaders in any sphere—government, business, or church. Character, integrity, and a moral compass rooted in reverence for God are paramount. True leadership is built on a foundation of virtue, not just skill.
  • Effective Delegation: It highlights the wisdom of delegating authority and responsibility to capable and trustworthy individuals. This not only prevents burnout for primary leaders but also empowers others and promotes efficiency within organizations and communities.
  • Combating Corruption: The explicit requirement to "hate covetousness" serves as a powerful reminder for all in positions of authority to resist the temptation of illicit gain and to act with unwavering impartiality. This principle is vital for maintaining trust and ensuring justice in any society.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 6:3 (12 votes)

    Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:5 (8 votes)

    ¶ And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,

  • 2 Chronicles 19:10 (8 votes)

    And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and [so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

  • Deuteronomy 1:13 (8 votes)

    Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

  • Deuteronomy 1:17 (8 votes)

    Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it.

  • Deuteronomy 16:18 (7 votes)

    ¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

  • Deuteronomy 16:19 (7 votes)

    Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.