The language of ivrit ( עברית ) Exodus 18, Post #4
Welcome to my Hebrew reading & language series.
Exodus 18:17-21
Last week, we saw Moshe (Moses) meeting with the people to settle disagreements and matters of God's Law. Today his father-in-law is seeing the enormity of what Moshe is attempting to do and warns that, "the thing is too heavy for you."
He goes on to share some advice with Moshe. A lot of men today might have a problem taking advice from their father-in-law but let's see how Moshe does in this situation.
We hear things like 'you won't be able to do it alone' then he seems to get stern... "Now obey my voice." then he mixes his offer of advice with a spoken blessing, "Elohim be with you..."
He advises Moshe to bring the people's cases to Elohim (God) and be their representative. Moshe, being the only one who was talking to The Creator every day through all of this, was told to warn the people in the way they should go and remind them of the laws and statutes of God.
Next comes the big structural change. He tells him to find honest men and set them over the people in tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands. One chief over a thousand, would be speaking with a staff of 10 chiefs of 100 each, and so on. That way they can get through all of the questions and matters that need an authority to help with a dispute. What I am curious to find out is if the cheifs will gain words of wisdom from Elohim as they advise people. We will see about that and more next week.
Today's Reading
English
Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 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. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Hebrew
Next week, structure laid out...
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Thanks for reading.
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