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Exodus 18 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The advice Jethro gave to Moses has been used in countless illustrations regarding delegation and leadership. The practicality of his advice is a step toward the ultimate goal – individual accountability. Teaching people the law would naturally lead toward discernment and responsibility to handle matters the way God had envisioned. It seems as if Moses waited to implement this advice until the law came forth in Deuteronomy 1.
Sharing burdens is a goal that God has desired for us since the beginning. However, it is not always easy to allow others to do that. Pride keeps us from sharing burdens and accepting advice. It would have been easy for Moses to quickly disregard this opinion from Jethro. Who was he to give Moses advice?
Jethro had a background as a pagan priest, and surely didn’t know the will of God. Moses was a great leader for God who had just been part of one of the greatest miracles in history. Take into consideration the humility that would have been necessary to accept this advice from Jethro.
Not only did Moses accept it, he implemented it. But first, we can assume he went to the Lord. When the commandments came down from God, the timing was right to begin delegating and allowing the people to be taught the ways of God.
Consider yourself. Do you accept advice from others? What if they have a sketchy background or bad reputation? Do you still hear them out and then seek the Lord? Moses showed great leadership and humility by both accepting the advice, but also considering it enough to apply it.