Exodus 18:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:20
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, redemption, sacrifice. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 18:20
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Analysis
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk—Jethro outlines Moses' teaching role: 'teach' (הִזְהַרְתָּה, hizhartah, 'warn, instruct') the 'ordinances' (חֻקִּים, chuqqim) and 'laws' (תּוֹרוֹת, torot). The phrase 'shew them the way' (וְהוֹדַעְתָּ לָהֶם אֶת־הַדֶּרֶךְ, v'hoda'ta lahem et-haderekh) uses metaphorical language—law as path. The addition 'and the work that they must do' (וְאֶת־הַמַּעֲשֶׂה אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשׂוּן, v'et-hama'aseh asher ya'asun) emphasizes practical application. This comprehensive teaching role—doctrine and practice, principle and application—remains Moses' priority. Teaching 'the way' anticipates Jesus' self-identification: 'I am the way' (John 14:6). Moses shows the path; Christ is the path.
Historical Context
This teaching function would be fulfilled through Torah instruction after Sinai. Moses' pedagogical role shaped Israel's identity as people defined by God's revealed law.
Reflection
- How does Jethro's description of law as 'the way they must walk' emphasize practical obedience over mere knowledge?
- What does Moses showing the way versus Christ being the way teach about Old Covenant versus New?
Word Studies
- Law: תּוֹרָה (Torah) H8451 - Law, instruction
Cross-References
- Word: Exodus 18:16, Micah 4:2
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 1:18, 4:1, 4:5, 5:1, Psalms 32:8, 143:8