Exodus 18:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:16
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, faith, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 18:16
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Analysis
When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws—Moses reiterates his comprehensive role: judging disputes and teaching divine law. The phrase 'judge between one and another' (וְשָׁפַטְתִּי בֵּין אִישׁ וּבֵין רֵעֵהוּ, v'shafat'ti bein ish uvein re'ehu) shows conflict resolution. The distinction between 'statutes' (חֻקִּים, chuqqim, prescribed ordinances) and 'laws' (תּוֹרֹתָיו, torotav, instructions) indicates diverse types of divine guidance Moses communicates. This verse's repetition (cf. v.15) emphasizes Moses' conviction about his calling. Yet good calling doesn't automatically mean right method—Moses' dedication is admirable but his solo approach is unsustainable. Jethro's forthcoming counsel will improve method without questioning calling.
Historical Context
Before formal law-giving at Sinai, Moses likely taught based on patriarchal tradition, creation order, and ongoing divine revelation. His teaching role prepared Israel for receiving comprehensive law.
Reflection
- How does Moses' clarity about calling (teaching God's laws) show that right vision can coexist with wrong method?
- What does the distinction between 'statutes' and 'laws' teach about diverse types of divine guidance?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 4:5, 5:1
- Word: 1 Corinthians 6:1
- Parallel theme: Exodus 24:14, 2 Samuel 15:3