Jethro Advises Moses

(Deuteronomy 1:9–18)

The next day Moses took his seat to judge the people, and they stood around [him] from morning until evening. 14 When [his] father-in-law saw all that [Moses] was doing for the people, he asked,“What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone [as judge], with all the people standing around you from morning till evening?”

15 

“Because the people come to me to inquire of God,” Moses replied 16 “Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me to judge between one man and another, and I make known to them the statutes and laws of God.”

17 

But Moses’ father-in-law said to him,“What you are doing is not good. 18 Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.

19 

Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. 20 Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.

21 

Furthermore, select capable men from among the people — God-fearing trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over [the people] as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.

22 

Have [these men] judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

23 

If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”

24 

Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.

27 

Then Moses sent his father-in-law {on his way}, and [Jethro] returned to his own land. 19