Exodus 18:13
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
H4283
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
Strong's:
H4283
Word #:
2 of 15
the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
sat
H3427
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב
sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
to judge
H8199
לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט
to judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
5 of 15
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָם֙
and the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֤ד
stood
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֤ד
stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
8 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
הָעָם֙
and the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַבֹּ֖קֶר
from the morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֖קֶר
from the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
Historical Context
This judging likely involved applying God's revealed will (received at burning bush and through ongoing revelation) to specific cases. The absence of written law yet didn't prevent judicial function.
Questions for Reflection
- What does worship preceding governance teach about priorities in leadership?
- How does Moses' exhaustive schedule reveal both commendable dedication and unwise lack of delegation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people—The transition from worship (v.12) to governance shows proper priority: worship before work. Moses' judging role fulfills God's commission to speak His words to people (Ex 4:15-16). The phrase 'the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening' indicates overwhelming demand—cases queued all day. This exhaustive schedule reveals the burden of leadership and unsustainability of solo ministry. The verb 'to judge' (לִשְׁפֹּט, lishpot) includes deciding disputes and declaring God's statutes. Moses' all-day judging shows dedication but also organizational naivety—he hasn't implemented delegation. Jethro's observation and advice (vv.14-23) will correct this deficiency.