Moses listened to his father-in-lawMoses, a central figure in the Exodus narrative, demonstrates humility and wisdom by listening to Jethro, his father-in-law. Jethro, a Midianite priest, offers advice on leadership and delegation. This interaction highlights the importance of seeking counsel and valuing wisdom from others, regardless of their background. The relationship between Moses and Jethro also underscores the significance of family ties and respect for elders, which is a recurring theme in biblical texts (
Proverbs 12:15,
Proverbs 19:20).
and did everything he said.
Moses' obedience to Jethro's advice reflects his willingness to implement practical solutions for the well-being of the Israelites. This action demonstrates effective leadership and the ability to adapt, qualities that are essential for guiding a large community. The implementation of Jethro's advice leads to the establishment of a judicial system, which is a precursor to the more formalized legal structures found later in the Torah. This decision also foreshadows the delegation of responsibilities seen in the New Testament, such as the appointment of deacons inActs 6:1-7. Moses' actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who also listened to and fulfilled the will of His Father (John 5:19).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is known for his humility and obedience to God.
2.
JethroMoses' father-in-law, a Midianite priest, who visits Moses and offers wise counsel on leadership and delegation.
3.
IsraelitesThe people of God, whom Moses is leading through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.
4.
MidianThe region where Jethro comes from, representing a place of wisdom and counsel outside of the immediate Israelite community.
5.
Delegation of LeadershipThe event where Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable men to help judge the people, thus easing Moses' burden.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wise CounselSeeking and heeding wise counsel is crucial for effective leadership. Moses' willingness to listen to Jethro demonstrates humility and wisdom.
Delegation as a Leadership PrincipleEffective leaders delegate responsibilities to capable individuals, ensuring that tasks are managed efficiently and leaders are not overwhelmed.
Humility in LeadershipMoses' example shows that even great leaders need guidance and should be open to advice from others, regardless of their status or background.
Community and Shared ResponsibilityThe body of Christ functions best when responsibilities are shared among its members, allowing each person to use their gifts for the common good.
Obedience to Godly AdviceActing on godly advice leads to better outcomes and aligns with God's will, as seen in Moses' implementation of Jethro's counsel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 18:24?
2.How does Exodus 18:24 demonstrate Moses' humility and willingness to accept advice?
3.What can we learn from Moses' obedience to Jethro's counsel in Exodus 18:24?
4.How does Exodus 18:24 relate to Proverbs 11:14 about seeking wise counsel?
5.In what ways can we apply Moses' example of leadership in our lives today?
6.How does Exodus 18:24 encourage us to listen to godly advice from others?
7.How does Exodus 18:24 demonstrate Moses' leadership qualities?
8.What does Jethro's advice in Exodus 18:24 reveal about delegation in leadership?
9.How does Exodus 18:24 reflect the importance of wise counsel in decision-making?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18?
11.Who was Moses' father-in-law?
12.How does the account in Exodus 24 align or conflict with other passages describing God's nature and appearance?
13.How could Moses remain on the mountain for forty days and nights without food or water (Exodus 24:18)?
14.Exodus 18:1 calls Moses' father-in-law 'Jethro,' yet Exodus 2:18 refers to him as 'Reuel.' Are these two names for the same person, or is this a contradiction?What Does Exodus 18:24 Mean
Moses listenedMoses, the man God used to lead Israel out of Egypt, models teachability here. His ears stayed open even after spectacular encounters with the LORD (Exodus 3; 19).
•Proverbs 19:20 reminds, “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days”.
•James 1:19 calls every believer to be “quick to listen,” a trait Moses displays.
•Numbers 12:3 underscores his humility, the soil in which listening grows.
to his father-in-lawJethro was not merely kin; he was an older, God-fearing priest who cared for Moses’ well-being and Israel’s welfare (Exodus 18:10–12).
•Exodus 3:1 already introduced Jethro as a shepherd and spiritual leader, establishing credibility.
•Ephesians 6:2–3 echoes the blessing promised to those who honor parental voices.
•Proverbs 1:8 tells children, “Do not forsake your mother’s teaching,” showing that family wisdom can be God’s channel.
•1 Peter 5:5 urges younger men to submit to elders, mirroring Moses’ posture.
and did everythingMoses didn’t half-apply the advice; he embraced it fully.
•James 1:22 cautions against being “hearers only.” Moses avoided that trap.
•1 Samuel 15:22 teaches that obedience surpasses sacrifice; Moses obeyed without delay.
•Colossians 3:23—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart”—fits Moses’ complete follow-through.
•Joshua 11:15 later notes Joshua learned this same trait from Moses: exact obedience to commands given.
he saidWhat Jethro said (Exodus 18:17–23) centered on delegation: appoint capable men to share the judging load so the people receive justice and Moses endures.
•Acts 6:3 shows the early church echoing this pattern—selecting Spirit-filled men to serve tables so apostles could focus on prayer and the word.
•Numbers 11:16–17 reveals God affirming shared leadership again with seventy elders.
•Deuteronomy 1:9–18 records Moses retelling how he followed Jethro’s counsel, proving its long-term value.
•1 Corinthians 14:40—“everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner”—captures the principle behind Jethro’s plan.
summaryExodus 18:24 spotlights a leader who stays teachable, honors family counsel, obeys completely, and implements wise, God-honoring structure. Moses’ example urges us to value godly advice, act on it fully, and organize life and ministry so burdens are shared and God’s people thrive.
(24, 25)
Moses hearkened.--The appointment of judges, according to Jethro's advice, was not made until after the giving of the Law and the setting up of the Tabernacle. (See
Deuteronomy 1:9-15.) In one particular Moses departed from the counsel given to him. Instead of directly choosing the "able men" himself, he left the selection to the people (
Deuteronomy 1:13). And contented himself with investing the men chosen with their authority. Comp. the course taken by the apostolic college with respect to the first deacons (
Acts 6:3-6).
Verse 24. -
So Moses hearkened. Moses took the advice tendered him, not immediately, but after the law had been given at Sinai, and the journeying was about to be resumed. See
Deuteronomy 1:9-15.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Mosesמֹשֶׁ֖ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverlistenedוַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyto his father-in-lawחֹתְנ֑וֹ(ḥō·ṯə·nōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2859:To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriageand didוַיַּ֕עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeeverythingכֹּ֖ל(kōl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhe said.אָמָֽר׃(’ā·mār)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say
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OT Law: Exodus 18:24 So Moses listened to the voice (Exo. Ex) 
