And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

EXODUS 18:15KJV
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Exodus 18:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:15 mean?

Exodus 18:15 records Moses explaining to his father-in-law that the people of Israel come to him to seek guidance from God. Moses is saying that his role is to help the people by bringing their questions or problems before God and giving them answers.

In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to Jethro, his father-in-law, who has just observed how Moses spends his day judging disputes among the Israelites. The verse shows that Moses acts as a mediator between the people and God, answering their concerns by seeking God’s will. This sets the stage for the following conversation about leadership and delegation.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:15

  • "said" (אָמַר, 'amar): This is the common Hebrew verb for "to say" or "to speak," emphasizing that Moses is directly responding to Jethro’s question.
  • "people" (עָם, 'am): Refers to the collective group of Israelites, highlighting that Moses is serving the entire community, not just a select few.
  • "come" (בּוֹא, bo'): This verb means "to come" or "to approach," showing the active role of the people in seeking out Moses for help.
  • "enquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means "to seek," "to inquire," or "to consult." It often carries the sense of seeking an answer or guidance, especially from God, which underlines the seriousness of the people's requests.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew term for God, used here to show that the people are not just seeking human wisdom but divine direction.

Why Exodus 18:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies Moses’ unique position as the spiritual and judicial leader of Israel, explaining why everyone comes to him with their issues.
  • It highlights the people's dependence on God’s guidance, not just Moses’ personal judgment, showing the central role of God in the life of Israel.
  • The verse sets up the practical problem of leadership overload, which leads to Jethro’s advice about delegation in the following verses, a key moment in the development of Israel’s leadership structure.