Exodus 18:24
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
חֹֽתְנ֑וֹ
of his father in law
H2859
חֹֽתְנ֑וֹ
of his father in law
Strong's:
H2859
Word #:
4 of 8
to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ
and did
H6213
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This delegation system established the governmental structure that would serve Israel throughout wilderness wandering and into Canaan settlement. The principle of distributed justice became foundational to Israel's society.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses' unhesitating obedience to counsel teach about humility in leadership?
- How does accepting structural advice while maintaining calling demonstrate wise flexibility?
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Analysis & Commentary
So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said—Moses' immediate obedience demonstrates humility—he accepts correction from father-in-law without defensiveness. The phrase 'hearkened to the voice' (וַיִּשְׁמַע מֹשֶׁה לְקוֹל, vayishma Moshe l'qol) indicates attentive listening and obedient response. 'Did all that he had said' shows complete implementation, not selective adoption. Moses' teachability models that great leaders receive counsel graciously. His willingness to change methods while maintaining calling demonstrates flexibility within faithfulness. This episode shows that accepting wise counsel doesn't diminish authority—Moses remains leader while improving leadership structure. God's later confirmation (Deut 1:9-18) validates Moses' decision.