Immerse: Beginnings Full Volume - Flipbook - Page 125
18:17–19:8
E x od u s
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the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.”
“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to
wear yourself o ut—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden
for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a
word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the
people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach
them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to
conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest
men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups
of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major
cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They
will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow
this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to
endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as
leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand,
one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men were always available to solve the
people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but
they took care of the smaller matters themselves.
Soon after this, Moses said g ood-bye to his father-in-law, who returned
to his own land.
Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the
wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the
wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai.
Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord
called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the
family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen
what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings
and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples
on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of
priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people
of Israel.”
So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of
the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. And
all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has
commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.
