Exodus 18:19
Exodus 18:19 in Multiple Translations
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.
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:
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:
Give ear now to my suggestion, and may God be with you: you are to be the people's representative before God, taking their causes to him:
So please listen to me. I'm going to give you some advice, and God will be with you. Yes, you must continue to be the people's representative before God, and take their cases to him.
Heare nowe my voyce, (I will giue thee counsell, and God shalbe with thee) be thou for the people to Godwarde, and report thou the causes vnto God,
'Now, hearken to my voice, I counsel thee, and God is with thee: be thou for the people over-against God, and thou hast brought in the things unto God;
Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God.
Hearken now to my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people toward God, that thou mayest bring the causes to God:
But hear my words and counsels, and God shall be with thee. Be thou to the people in those things that pertain to God, to bring their words to him:
Now listen to some good advice [MTY] I will give to you. If you do what I suggest, God will help you. You should continue to speak to God and tell him about the people’s disputes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:19
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 18:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַתָּ֞ה
שְׁמַ֤ע
בְּ/קֹלִ/י֙
אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔
וִ/יהִ֥י
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
הֱיֵ֧ה
אַתָּ֣ה
לָ/עָ֗ם
מ֚וּל
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
וְ/הֵבֵאתָ֥
אַתָּ֛ה
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
אֶל
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
עַתָּ֞ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
שְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְּ/קֹלִ/י֙
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וִ/יהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
הֱיֵ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
לָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
מ֚וּל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וְ/הֵבֵאתָ֥
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:19
עַתָּ֞ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
שְׁמַ֤ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
בְּ/קֹלִ/י֙
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אִיעָ֣צְ/ךָ֔
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
וִ/יהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-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.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
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.
עִמָּ֑/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הֱיֵ֧ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
לָ/עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מ֚וּל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
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/הֵבֵאתָ֥
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
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.
אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
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.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 18:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 18:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:19
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
- Sermons on Exodus 18:19
Context — Jethro Advises Moses
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.
19Now 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.
20Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. 21Furthermore, 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 27:5 | So Moses brought their case before the LORD, |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 5:5 | At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said: |
| 3 | Exodus 20:19 | “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.” |
| 4 | Exodus 3:12 | “I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.” |
| 5 | Genesis 39:2 | And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. |
| 6 | Joshua 1:9 | Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 14:17 | And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” |
| 8 | Exodus 4:12 | Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 9:9 | Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. |
| 10 | Exodus 18:24 | Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. |
Exodus 18:19 Summary
[Exodus 18:19 is a verse about Moses' role as a leader and representative of the people before God. It means that Moses is supposed to bring the people's problems and concerns to God and ask for His help and guidance, similar to what we see in Exodus 32:31-32. This is a big responsibility, but with God's presence and wisdom, Moses can do it, just like we can when we seek God's help in our own lives (Joshua 1:9). By following Jethro's advice, Moses can also learn to delegate tasks and share responsibilities with others, which is an important principle for all leaders (Exodus 24:1-14).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a representative of the people before God?
According to Exodus 18:19, being a representative of the people before God means bringing their causes to Him, which is similar to the role of priests and prophets in the Bible, such as Moses in Exodus 32:31-32 and Ezekiel in Ezekiel 22:30.
Why is it important to have God with us when giving advice or making decisions?
Having God with us is crucial because He provides wisdom, guidance, and blessing, as seen in Exodus 18:19 and Joshua 1:9, where God's presence gives us courage and success.
What is the significance of Jethro's advice to Moses in this verse?
Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18:19 is significant because it highlights the importance of delegation and sharing responsibilities, which is a principle also seen in Exodus 24:1-14 and Numbers 11:16-17, where Moses appoints leaders to help him govern the people.
How can we apply the principle of representation before God in our own lives?
We can apply this principle by praying for others, interceding on their behalf, and seeking God's guidance and wisdom, just like Moses did in Exodus 18:19 and like Jesus does for us in Hebrews 7:25, where He intercedes for us before God the Father.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can represent others before God in my own life, such as through prayer or service?
- How can I seek God's presence and guidance when making decisions or giving advice to others?
- What are some causes or concerns in my community that I can bring before God in prayer, and how can I be an advocate for those in need?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, be a faithful representative of God to those around me, and how can I point them to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:19
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel,.... Jethro being the elder man, and of some character and figure, being either a priest or prince of Midian, or both, might, without incurring a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:19
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 18:19
God shall be with thee, i.e. I doubt not God will assist and bless thee, as well in the course which I propose to thee, as in that which thou now dost use, because God is a God of order, and loves order; and he is a God of mercy, and would not have thee destroy thyself in his work. Or it may be taken for a prayer, and God be with thee, i.e. bless and assist thee therein. To Godward, Heb. before God, i.e. in hard and weighty causes, which the inferior judges cannot determine, as it is explained ; where they need and seek direction from God, there thou shalt be as a mediator between God and them, to bring their matters to God, as it here follows, and to receive directions and commands from him. See ,34 27:5,6.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
Exodus 18:19 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:Ver. 19. I will give thee counsel.] A Midianite counsels Moses: God hereby teacheth him humility.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
(19) God shall be with thee.—Rather, may Go be with thee. May He give thee wisdom to direct the course aright. Be thou for the people to God-ward.—Be the person, i.e., to bring before God whatever needs to be brought before Him. Continue both to act as representative of the people towards God, and as representative of God towards the people. Take all difficult causes to Him, and pronounce to the people His decision upon them. Be also the expounder to the people of God’s laws and ordinances; be their moral instructor, and the guide of their individual actions (Exodus 18:20). All this is quite compatible with the change which I am about to recommend to thee.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
Verse 19. I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee] Jethro seems to have been a man of great understanding and prudence. His advice to Moses was most appropriate and excellent; and it was probably given under the immediate inspiration of God, for after such sacrificial rites, and public acknowledgment of God, the prophetic spirit might be well expected to descend and rest upon him. God could have showed Moses the propriety and necessity of adopting such measures before, but he chose in this case to help man by man, and in the present instance a permanent basis was laid to consolidate the union of the two families, and prevent all future misunderstandings.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:19
13–23. Jethro’s advice to Moses, to appoint officers to assist him in the administration of justice.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:19
Counsel - Jethro draws the distinction between the functions of the legislator and the judge.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:19
19. I will give thee counsel — Like Melchizedek, “priest of the Most High God,” (Genesis 14:18,) who blessed Abram, the father of the faithful, Jethro, another priest of like rank, assumes to counsel Moses the man of God.
Sermons on Exodus 18:19
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Twentieth Century Jethro by H. P. Barker | H. P. Barker preaches about the cautionary tale of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, who despite his good qualities and wise counsel, failed to fully identify with the people of God an |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 69 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and how he learned to trust and rely on God in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and not |
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The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about |
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The Fear of Man by Mason Vann | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories from Christians in Bangladesh who face persecution for their faith. He describes how these believers become Christians, get baptized, and |
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Numbers 27:12 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of Moses as God's representative, illustrating how the people learned about God through Moses' actions and words. He highlights the immense responsi |
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Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 12 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of revival and the power of God's love. He describes a prison where people were waiting to die, but through the revival, they found new h |