Exodus 18:16
Exodus 18:16 in Multiple Translations
“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
when they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
And if they have any question between themselves, they come to me, and I am judge between a man and his neighbour, and I give them the orders and laws of God.
“When they argue over something, the case is brought before me to decide between them, and I explain to them God's laws and regulations.”
When they haue a matter, they come vnto me, and I iudge betweene one and another, and declare the ordinances of God, and his lawes.
when they have a matter, it hath come unto me, and I have judged between a man and his neighbour, and made known the statutes of God, and His laws.'
When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.”
When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between one and another, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
And when any controversy falleth out among them, they come to me to judge between them, and to shew the precepts of God, and his laws.
When they have a dispute about something, they come to me, and they ask me to decide which of them is right. I also tell them all of God’s laws and instructions.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
יִהְיֶ֨ה
לָ/הֶ֤ם
דָּבָר֙
בָּ֣א
אֵלַ֔/י
וְ/שָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י
בֵּ֥ין
אִ֖ישׁ
וּ/בֵ֣ין
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
וְ/הוֹדַעְתִּ֛י
אֶת
חֻקֵּ֥י
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
תּוֹרֹתָֽי/ו
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֤ם
Prep | Suff
דָּבָר֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/שָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הוֹדַעְתִּ֛י
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֻקֵּ֥י
chôq
H2706
statute
N-mp
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
תּוֹרֹתָֽי/ו
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:16
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֤ם
""
Prep | Suff
דָּבָר֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלַ֔/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/שָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
רֵעֵ֑/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וְ/הוֹדַעְתִּ֛י
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֻקֵּ֥י
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תּוֹרֹתָֽי/ו
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
- Sermons on Exodus 18:16
Context — Jethro Advises Moses
14When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone as judge, with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?”
15“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied.
16“Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”
17But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 24:14 | And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 6:1 | If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 15:3 | Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 5:1 | Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances that I declare in your hearing this day. Learn them and observe them carefully. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:5 | See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1–2 | Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. |
| 7 | Numbers 15:35 | And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” |
| 8 | Matthew 28:20 | and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 12:23 | As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 17:8–12 | If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, according to the terms of law they give and the verdict they proclaim. Do not turn aside to the right or to the left from the decision they declare to you. But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. |
Exodus 18:16 Summary
This verse, Exodus 18:16, shows that Moses was responsible for helping the people resolve their disputes and teaching them God's laws. He would listen to their problems and then tell them what God's Word said about the situation, similar to how Jesus taught people about God's laws in Matthew 22:37-40. Moses' role was to help the people understand and apply God's commands, and we can learn from his example by seeking to understand and apply God's Word in our own lives (Psalm 119:105). By doing so, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of disputes did Moses typically handle as a judge?
Moses handled disputes between individuals, making known to them the statutes and laws of God, as seen in Exodus 18:16, similar to the way God instructed the Israelites to resolve disputes in Deuteronomy 17:8-10
Was Moses the only one who could make decisions for the people?
No, Moses was not the only one, but at this point, he was the central figure to whom all disputes were brought, as stated in Exodus 18:16, but his father-in-law advised him to delegate some of this authority to others, as mentioned in Exodus 18:17-18
How did Moses know what God's statutes and laws were?
Moses knew God's statutes and laws because he had been given them by God, as recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and other passages, and he made them known to the people when they had disputes, as stated in Exodus 18:16
Is this verse suggesting that Moses was the only intermediary between God and the people?
No, while Moses played a significant role as a leader and judge, Exodus 18:16 emphasizes his function in judging disputes and teaching God's laws, but other verses, such as Numbers 11:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 12:28, indicate that there were other leaders and prophets who also helped to guide the people
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply God's statutes and laws to my own life, just as Moses taught the Israelites?
- How can I, like Moses, be a source of wisdom and guidance for those around me, pointing them to God's Word?
- In what ways do I rely on others, such as pastors or leaders, to teach me God's laws, and how can I take personal responsibility for understanding and applying Scripture?
- What are some disputes or conflicts in my own life that I need to bring before God, seeking His wisdom and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:16
When they have a matter, they come unto me,.... This is the other thing he did for them, as the above writer observes; which being last mentioned, he speaks of first, as follows, meaning that when
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:16
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
i.e. Do interpret and apply them to their several cases and circumstances.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
Exodus 18:16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws.Ver. 16. When they have a matter.] In our ordinary suits there is, for the most part, more malice than matter. The late Judge Dier, if there came any such trifling controversies to be tried before him, would usually say, that either the parties are wilful, or their neighbours without charity; because their suits were not quietly compromised.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
(15, 16) Moses assigns two reasons for his conduct.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
Verse 16. I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.] These words are so very particular that they leave little room for doubt that the law had been given. Such words would scarcely have been used had not the statutes and laws been then in existence. And this is one of the proofs that the transaction mentioned here stands out of its due chronological order; See Clarke on Exodus 18:5.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:16
16. a matter] i.e. a matter in dispute, cf. Exodus 22:9, Exodus 24:14. So vv. 22, 26 (‘cause’ in vv. 19, 26, is also the same Heb.: lit. word). the statutes of God and his directions] ‘ “Statutes” (ḥ ?uḳ ?ḳ ?îm) were definite rules, stereotyped and permanent; “laws” (tôrôth) were “directions” or pronouncements delivered as special circumstances required them [see p. 161]. The present passage must belong to the period after Moses received the divine statutes on the mountain [cf. p. 162]’ (McNeile). Observe that the decisions of Moses on civil disputes are here called distinctly the ‘directions (tôrôth) of God’ (cf. on v. 15, and pp. 161, 162).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:16
16. A matter — A matter of controversy requiring the intervention of a judge.
Sermons on Exodus 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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Christians and Law Courts by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church. The speaker emphasizes that this |
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Studies in 1 Corinthians-06 1 Cor 6:1-11 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher starts by introducing a familiar hymn about the blessings of salvation and the invitation to come to the feast. He then shares a story about a man who |
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(1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 6 by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform lives. He states that no matter what sins a person may be caught up in, whether it be homosexuality, the |
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Carnal Christians by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important things to remember when thinking about the church. He references Matthew 3:12, where John the Baptist speaks about Jesus. The |
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Church Live Re-Visited: Session Six - Part 1 by Ron Bailey | This sermon delves into the issue of personal rights and the misuse of legal processes within the church community, highlighting the importance of not insisting on one's own rights |
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Church - Part 4 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the potential distractions that can arise in one's life, particularly in the context of marriage. He references Paul's warning that marriage |