Exodus 18:21

"You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do."

Key Reflection

Exodus 18:21 instructs Moses to appoint judges who would teach the people the statutes and laws, guiding them on how to live according to God’s commands. This verse underscores the importance of a structured legal and moral framework for governance, ensuring that justice and righteousness are practiced at every level of society, from the leadership down to the everyday actions of the people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Able men -The qualifications are remarkably complete, ability, piety, truthfulness, and unselfishness. FromDeuteronomy 1:13, it appears that Moses left the selection of the persons to the people, an example followed by the Apostles; seeActs 6:3. Rulers of thousands ... -The numbers appear to be conventional, corresponding nearly, but not exactly, to the military, or civil divisions of the people: the largest division (1,000) is used as an equivalent of a gens under one head,Numbers 1:16;Numbers 10:4;Joshua 22:14. The word “rulers,” sometimes rendered “princes,” is general, including all ranks of officials placed in command.

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