Exodus 18 brings us an important lesson on leadership, delegation, and the importance of wise counsel, all through the experience of Moses as he leads the Israelites through the wilderness. As we read this chapter, we see not just the practical aspects of organizing a community, but also the deep wisdom of God in shaping how we, as individuals and groups, should handle challenges.
The chapter begins with Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, coming to visit him. Jethro had heard about the great things God had done for the Israelites, especially how He had delivered them from Egypt. In this sense, Jethro’s visit serves as a reminder to us of the importance of sharing the good things God does in our lives. When God moves in a powerful way, it’s meant to be a testimony not just for us, but for those around us too. In this case, Jethro rejoices in what he hears, acknowledging that the Lord is greater than all other gods. His joy is not only for Moses but for the whole community, and it shows us the importance of acknowledging God’s greatness in everything, especially in the way He works in and through us.
Jethro's visit becomes a pivotal moment in Moses’ life and leadership. As Moses recounts to his father-in-law all that has happened—the deliverance from Egypt, the miracles, and the ongoing struggles of leading a people—Jethro listens carefully and then offers Moses some counsel that we would all do well to heed. He observes that Moses is overburdened with the task of judging the people and resolving their disputes. Moses has taken on the entire responsibility himself, dealing with matters from dawn until dusk. Jethro wisely points out that this is not sustainable; Moses will wear himself out, and the people will also grow weary of waiting for justice.
This is where the lesson on leadership and delegation becomes clear. Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men from among the people, men who fear God and are trustworthy. These men should be in charge of smaller groups, handling the everyday issues and disputes. Only the most difficult cases should be brought to Moses. By setting up this system, Moses would not only lighten his own load but would also give the people a better, more efficient way of resolving their issues. This was a simple yet profound solution that allowed Moses to focus on his relationship with God and his role as the ultimate leader, while others stepped up to handle the practical matters.
This moment has significant application for us. Whether in leadership, work, or community life, we often find ourselves overburdened when we try to do everything ourselves. We can’t take on all the responsibilities and expect to do everything well. Just as Moses needed help, we need to be willing to delegate and trust others with important tasks. In our own lives, we may be hesitant to delegate, either because we fear things won’t be done properly or because we feel the weight of responsibility is ours alone. But Jethro’s advice reminds us that good leadership—whether at work, home, or church—requires humility and trust in others. We need to recognize that we are not meant to carry all the burdens by ourselves. God has gifted others with talents and abilities to help us along the way.
Moses listens to Jethro’s counsel and puts it into practice. He selects capable men, organizes them into a system of leadership, and it works. This step helps Moses lead more effectively, and it also provides opportunities for others to serve and grow in their leadership. This decision benefits both Moses and the people, showing us that when we work together and share the load, the whole community can thrive.
After Jethro offers his counsel, there’s a beautiful moment of celebration. Jethro offers a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron and the elders of Israel join him in eating a meal before God. This act of worship serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God’s role in every aspect of life, even in our organizational decisions. It’s not just about practicality and strategy, but about honoring God in every part of our lives, including our work and leadership. By worshiping God after making such a decision, Moses and Jethro are showing that the work they do is not just about the task at hand, but about honoring the one who calls us to serve.
This chapter also emphasizes the role of community. Moses was the leader, but he did not have to do everything alone. Jethro’s advice created a system that empowered others to step into leadership roles, and by doing so, the community grew stronger. It’s a powerful reminder that in the body of Christ, we are all called to work together, each using our unique gifts for the common good. No one person can do everything, and when we learn to trust others and allow them to serve alongside us, the whole body is better for it.
The chapter ends with Jethro returning to his home, but not before leaving Moses with the wisdom that would change the way he led the people. We, too, are called to receive counsel from others, especially when it comes to how we lead and how we handle our responsibilities. Sometimes, we may be so immersed in our own tasks that we fail to see the bigger picture, and it takes someone outside of our situation to help us see a better way.
Exodus 18 shows us that good leadership is not about doing everything by ourselves. It’s about humility, wisdom, and the ability to delegate. It’s also about recognizing the importance of community, not just in sharing tasks but in worshiping God together. Through Jethro’s advice, we see that God calls us to trust in others, to work together, and to honor Him in everything we do. The chapter teaches us that leadership is a shared responsibility, and when we work together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could on our own. We are all part of a larger community, and each of us has a role to play in helping to carry the load. When we do so with humility and dependence on God, we see His glory revealed in ways we couldn’t have imagined.