The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:15

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And Moses said … Because the people come unto me, to inquire of God. To inquire of God is certainly not a mere "juridical phrase," meaning to consult a judge (Kalisch), nor, on the other hand, is it necessarily "to consult God through an oracle."

It cannot, however, mean less than to seek a decision from some one regarded as entitled to speak for God; and it is certainly assigned by Moses as the reason why he judged all the causes himself, and did not devolve the duty upon others.

They could not be supposed to know the mind of God as he knew it. Jethro, however, points out, that it is one thing to lay down principles, and another to apply them. Moses might reserve the legislative function—the inculcation of principles—to himself, and so still, "be for the people to Godward" (Exodus 18:19); but he might find "able men" among the congregation, quite capable of applying the principles, and delegate to them the judicial function (Exodus 18:21, Exodus 18:22).

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