And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

EXODUS 18:26KJV
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Exodus 18:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:26 mean?

Exodus 18:26 describes how the appointed leaders judged the people’s disputes throughout the year, bringing only the difficult cases to Moses while handling the simpler matters themselves. This verse shows a system where responsibility is shared, with Moses focusing on the most challenging issues.

In this scene, Moses has just taken advice from his father-in-law Jethro to delegate his judging duties. The leaders, chosen from among the people, are now settling everyday disagreements, while only the “hard causes” are brought to Moses. This arrangement helps prevent Moses from being overwhelmed and ensures justice is more accessible to everyone.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:26

  • “Judged” (שָׁפַט, shafat): This word means to decide, govern, or rule. Here, it highlights that these leaders were not just giving advice but making binding decisions for the people.
  • “Hard” (קָשֶׁה, qasheh): This word means difficult or severe. It emphasizes that only the most complicated or weighty cases were brought to Moses, showing a clear distinction between ordinary and exceptional disputes.
  • “Small” (קָטָן, qatan): This word means little or insignificant. The leaders handled the less important matters themselves, which shows practical wisdom in not burdening Moses with every minor issue.

Why Exodus 18:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies how leadership and responsibility were distributed among the Israelites, preventing burnout and making justice more efficient.
  • It shows the practical wisdom in Jethro’s advice and how Moses was willing to listen and adapt for the good of the community.
  • Exodus 18:26 connects to the broader theme of shared leadership and organization, which becomes important as the Israelites continue their journey and growth as a nation.

Where else these words appear

“hard” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 31:27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
  • 2 Chronicles 10:13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

“matter” Hebrew H1992 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Numbers 14:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
  • Psalms 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

“small” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:30 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD.