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:

EXODUS 18:19KJV
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Exodus 18:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:19 mean?

Exodus 18:19 records Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, advising Moses to act as a representative for the people before God, bringing their concerns and questions to Him. Jethro encourages Moses to listen to his advice, assuring him that God will be with him as he serves in this role.

In this verse, Jethro is speaking directly to Moses after observing how overwhelmed Moses is by judging all the people's disputes alone. Jethro suggests that Moses should stand “for the people to God-ward,” meaning Moses would serve as a go-between, presenting the people's issues to God. This sets the stage for the advice that follows about sharing leadership responsibilities.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:19

  • The word “hearken” is שָׁמַע (shama‘), which means to listen or pay careful attention. Jethro is not just making a casual suggestion; he is urging Moses to seriously consider his advice.
  • The phrase “God-ward” combines אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים (’el-ha’elohim), meaning “toward God.” This highlights Moses’ unique role as someone who brings the people’s matters directly before God, not just acting as a judge but as an intercessor.

Why Exodus 18:19 matters

  • Exodus 18:19 clarifies that Moses’ leadership included a spiritual responsibility, not just administrative duties—he was to connect the people with God.
  • The verse helps explain the later development of shared leadership in Israel, as Jethro’s advice leads to the appointment of other judges to assist Moses.
  • This verse shows the importance of wise counsel and listening to others, even for someone in a position of great authority like Moses.

Where else these words appear

“God-ward” Hebrew H4136 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:9 And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Joshua 22:11 And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

“be” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

“counsel” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Numbers 24:14 And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.