Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 18:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 18:20 (KJV) reads: “And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.”
This verse comes from the narrative where Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advises Moses on how to govern and lead the Israelites effectively. It is a pivotal moment where Jethro lays down key principles for Moses’ leadership and provides a clear framework for managing the people. Understanding this verse involves diving into its context, meaning, and practical applications. We will also look at how it compares to other Biblical texts, its modern-day relevance, and the deeper insights provided by Biblical commentary.
The Context on Exodus 18:20 KJV
The context of Exodus 18:20 is set in the wilderness of Sinai, following the Israelites’ miraculous exodus from Egypt. After they crossed the Red Sea, they camped at Mount Sinai, where Moses served as the sole judge, overseeing the people’s disputes and guiding them in matters of law. Moses’ workload became overwhelming as he tried to manage every issue alone, with the people bringing their problems to him from morning until evening.
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, arrived to visit him after hearing about the great works God had done for Israel. Upon witnessing Moses’ heavy burden of leadership, Jethro expressed concern and offered practical advice. He recommended that Moses appoint capable men to help share the burden of leadership, thus allowing him to focus on more significant matters such as teaching the people God’s laws and leading them spiritually.
In this context, Exodus 18:20 forms part of Jethro’s counsel, where he instructs Moses not only to delegate administrative duties but also to ensure that the people are taught God’s laws and led according to divine wisdom.
The Exodus 18:20 Meaning
Exodus 18:20 is a directive from Jethro to Moses, emphasizing the role of teaching and leadership in the community. Let’s break it down:
Teach them ordinances and laws: Moses is instructed to educate the Israelites about the laws and ordinances that God has given him. The term “ordinances” refers to the formal decrees and commandments that guide the people’s behavior, while “laws” refers to the broader principles by which the people should live. These teachings are essential for establishing justice, order, and holiness within the community.
Shew them the way wherein they must walk: This is a metaphorical statement indicating that Moses must guide the people in the path of righteousness and godliness. It suggests that Moses is not just to teach laws but to lead by example, showing the Israelites the moral and spiritual ways they should live.
The work that they must do: This refers to the duties and responsibilities the people must undertake as part of their walk with God. It suggests that Moses must also instruct them in how they are to serve one another and fulfill their roles within the community.
Thus, Exodus 18:20 serves as a directive for Moses to be a spiritual and moral leader, teaching not only laws but guiding the people in their daily walk with God and in the duties that align with His will. This principle would later be seen in Moses’ role as the one who communicates God’s laws to Israel, especially through the Ten Commandments and the subsequent legal codes in the Torah.
Exodus 18:20 Application in Life
Exodus 18:20 is not just a historical teaching for Moses but offers significant applications for our own lives. Here are several ways it can be applied:
The Importance of Teaching and Discipleship: Just as Moses was commanded to teach the Israelites God’s ordinances and laws, Christians today are called to teach others the ways of God. Discipleship involves more than imparting information; it includes showing others how to walk in God’s ways. This requires both teaching and practical application in daily life.
Spiritual Leadership: Whether in the home, church, or workplace, leaders have a responsibility to guide others in righteousness. This might mean setting a godly example, mentoring others, and teaching them the biblical principles that govern ethical and moral behavior.
Righteous Living: The phrase “the way wherein they must walk” reminds believers that their lives should reflect God’s teachings. This applies to both personal holiness and communal responsibility. Christians are called to be ambassadors of God’s justice, mercy, and truth, living in ways that reflect His righteousness.
Fulfilling One’s God-given Responsibilities: Just as Moses was called to instruct the people in their work and duties, Christians today must embrace their call to serve God and others. Each person has a unique role to play in God’s kingdom, and this passage encourages believers to understand and fulfill those responsibilities.
Effective Delegation: Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, Exodus 18:20 highlights the broader principle of leadership: Moses is teaching others to take responsibility. Leaders today must understand the value of teaching, empowering, and equipping others to do the work, just as Jethro advised Moses to appoint leaders to assist him.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 18:20 has parallels and is complementary to several other Biblical passages that deal with leadership, teaching, and guiding people in godliness:
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
This passage emphasizes the continuous teaching of God’s law in all areas of life, echoing the directive in Exodus 18:20 that Moses should not only teach but also demonstrate God’s ways to the people.
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”
Jesus commands His disciples to teach others to observe His commands. Just as Moses was to teach the Israelites, Christians are called to make disciples, guiding them in the ways of righteousness and teaching them to live according to God’s word.
Titus 2:1-8 – Paul exhorts Titus to teach sound doctrine, urging older men and women to guide the younger generation in living godly lives. This instruction for the church is similar to Moses’ responsibility to teach and guide the Israelites in Exodus 18:20.
2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”
This passage highlights the importance of passing on wisdom and teaching to others, ensuring that God’s word is faithfully communicated from one generation to the next, much like Moses was instructed to teach the Israelites.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 18:20 speaks directly to modern-day leadership, discipleship, and moral instruction. Whether in churches, families, or society, the principles from this verse can guide us in how we approach teaching, leadership, and living out our faith:
Discipleship and Mentoring: In our society, people often look for role models, mentors, and teachers. Exodus 18:20 reminds us that spiritual mentorship is essential for guiding others in the way of the Lord. This can happen in the church, through one-on-one relationships, or in small groups where leaders invest in others and teach them how to live biblically.
Community Leadership: Leaders in both religious and secular contexts can apply Moses’ example by not only delegating responsibility but also ensuring that those they lead are taught the principles that underpin ethical and moral living. This fosters a healthier, more productive community.
Family Life: Parents are charged with teaching their children the ways of the Lord. This is crucial not only for spiritual formation but also for equipping children to face life’s challenges with a biblical worldview. Exodus 18:20 serves as a reminder that the role of teaching extends beyond formal education to moral and spiritual guidance.
Conclusion
Exodus 18:20 is a powerful reminder of the biblical principles of leadership, teaching, and discipleship. Moses’ task was not just to lead but to instruct the Israelites in the ways of the Lord and guide them in the responsibilities they had to God and each other. This directive carries weight in our modern lives as well, offering guidance for those in leadership, those in teaching roles, and for anyone seeking to live according to God’s will.
By applying these principles, we are not only honoring God’s commands but also ensuring that we are equipped to fulfill our roles as leaders, teachers, and followers of Christ in a way that brings glory to God and benefits to others.
Exodus 18:20 Commentary
Exodus 18:20 is a key teaching on leadership and discipleship. Biblical commentators agree that Jethro’s instruction to Moses is foundational for understanding how godly leadership operates. Scholars such as Matthew Henry have emphasized that Moses was not only tasked with leading Israel but also with imparting God’s laws, guiding them spiritually, and showing them the correct way to live. The passage also highlights the importance of leadership being grounded in both wisdom and service.
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