Exodus 18:20
ESV
and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
NIV
Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.
NASB
then admonish them about the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do.
CSB
Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do.
NLT
Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.
KJV
And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
NKJV
And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.
What does Exodus 18:20 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 18; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 18:13–27 contains Jethro's helpful advice to Moses. Jethro advises his son-in-law not to take on the burden of resolving every dispute or question among the Israelites. Instead, he advises Moses to appoint a series of leaders. Each can pass a difficult judgment up to the next level. Only those which cannot be resolved by the lower levels should be brought to Moses. This frees Moses from trivial questions and lets him focus on larger concerns.
Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard everything which happened to free the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). He visits Israel, bringing Moses' family along. The two men share a happy reunion. After hearing more about the Lord's work, Jethro offers sacrifices. The next day, he notices that Moses is overwhelmed by making decisions for the people. Jethro suggests Moses appoint levels of leaders who can make lesser verdicts. Moses can then focus on teaching the people God's primary commands and resolving disputes which others cannot judge. This frees Moses to only arbitrate difficult situations.
