The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-16

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

The Christian in Public Paths.

"Moses sat to judge the people: and the people," etc. (Exodus 18:13). Explain with accuracy the work of Moses. On such a text might be based a homily on the functions, work and bearing of a civil magistrate or judge. But it is better to give the subject a wider application, and to treat it under Christian lights.

I. THE FUNCTIONS OF A CHRISTIAN. Moses sat as a prophet, expounding the Divine will, as revealed to his exalted soul by the Spirit of God; and as a judge, deciding controversies. Indeed the two functions were blended; in giving legal decisions, he treated the suitors as intelligent and moral beings, assigning the principles on which they were based. These functions of Moses may suggest what should be those of a Christian in the public paths of life.

1. To expound the mind and will of God: i.e; his truth and his law.

2. To promote peace: i.e; in all the relations of life (Matthew 5:9).

II. THE MANNER OF THEIR DISCHARGE.

1. With patience. "From the morning unto the evening."

2. In the spirit of brotherhood. "The people stood by Moses." No airs of superiority.

3. With diligence. Moses went on with his work, though

More for Exodus 18:13-16

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:1-13Exodus 18:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe visit of Jethro. When Jethro "heard of all that God had done for Moses,"—a hint that the news of the great events of the past few weeks had spread far and wide through the Sinaitic peninsula,—and when he learned tha…Matthew Henry on Exodus 18:13-27Exodus 18:13-27 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryHere is the great zeal and the toil of Moses as a magistrate. Having been employed to redeem Israel out of the house of bondage, he is a further type of Christ, that he is employed as a lawgiver and a judge among them.…Jethro's Advice to Moses. (b. c. 1491.)Exodus 18:13-27 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleJETHRO'S ADVICE TO MOSES. (B. C. 1491.) Here is, I. The great zeal and industry of Moses as a magistrate. 1. Having been employed to redeem Israel out of the house of bondage, herein he is a further type of Christ, that…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-27Exodus 18:13-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe appointment of judges. During the few days that Jethro was with Moses, he did the latter an essential service, and initiated nothing short of a revolution in the manner of conducting judicial business. Besides its i…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-27Exodus 18:13-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryGood counsel well taken. I. ZEAL MAY OUTRUN DISCRETION. 1. Moses' strength was overtaxed, his spirit needlessly burdened. 2. There was delay for the people with its vexation and loss. The most self-sacrificing love will…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-26Exodus 18:13-26 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION JETHRO'S ADVICE TO MOSES, AND ITS ADOPTION. The office of ruler in ancient times, whether exercised by a king, a prince, or a mere chieftain, was always understood to include within it the office of judge. In…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:1-13The visit of Jethro. When Jethro "heard of all that God had done for Moses,"—a hint that the news of the great events of the past few weeks had spread far and wide through the Sinaitic peninsula,—and when he learned tha…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 18:13-27Here is the great zeal and the toil of Moses as a magistrate. Having been employed to redeem Israel out of the house of bondage, he is a further type of Christ, that he is employed as a lawgiver and a judge among them.…Matthew Henry commentaryJethro's Advice to Moses. (b. c. 1491.)JETHRO'S ADVICE TO MOSES. (B. C. 1491.) Here is, I. The great zeal and industry of Moses as a magistrate. 1. Having been employed to redeem Israel out of the house of bondage, herein he is a further type of Christ, that…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-26Jethro's advice. In considering this passage it is desirable to form some distinct opinion as to the time of Jethro's visit to Moses. How comes this episode to be mentioned at all, and what is its point of attachment to…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13On the morrow. The day after Jethro's arrival. Moses sat to judge the people. Moses, i.e; took his seat in an accustomed place, probably at the door of his tent, and. was understood to be ready to hear and decide causes…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-26EXPOSITION JETHRO'S ADVICE TO MOSES, AND ITS ADOPTION. The office of ruler in ancient times, whether exercised by a king, a prince, or a mere chieftain, was always understood to include within it the office of judge. In…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-27The appointment of judges. During the few days that Jethro was with Moses, he did the latter an essential service, and initiated nothing short of a revolution in the manner of conducting judicial business. Besides its i…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 18:13-27Good counsel well taken. I. ZEAL MAY OUTRUN DISCRETION. 1. Moses' strength was overtaxed, his spirit needlessly burdened. 2. There was delay for the people with its vexation and loss. The most self-sacrificing love will…Joseph S. Exell and contributors