Exodus 18:26
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ
And they judged
H8199
יִשְׁפּוּט֥וּ
And they judged
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
1 of 16
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 #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֖ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵ֑ת
at all seasons
H6256
עֵ֑ת
at all seasons
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
5 of 16
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
causes
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
causes
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְבִיא֣וּן
they brought
H935
יְבִיא֣וּן
they brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
causes
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
causes
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
13 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַקָּטֹ֖ן
but every small
H6996
הַקָּטֹ֖ן
but every small
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
14 of 16
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
Historical Context
This system functioned throughout Israel's wilderness wandering and provided the governmental structure for settling Canaan. Its success validated organizational wisdom from outside Israel's covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does escalation of hard cases prevent both overwhelming leaders and making poor local decisions?
- What does the system's success teach about implementing organizational wisdom even from outside sources?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves—The system works as designed: routine cases handled locally, difficult cases escalated. The phrase 'at all seasons' (בְּכָל־עֵת, b'khol-et) confirms continuous justice, not periodic hearings. 'Hard causes' (הַדָּבָר הַקָּשֶׁה, hadavar haqasheh) require Moses' unique access to God and wisdom. The distribution 'every small matter they judged themselves' shows the delegates' competence for routine decisions. This balance—delegation with escalation—prevents both burnout and loss of quality. The success of this system proves Jethro's wisdom and Moses' wise implementation. This models how church leadership should function: elders handle routine pastoral care, complex doctrinal or discipline issues escalate to broader leadership.