What is the meaning of Exodus 18:26? They judged the people at all times Exodus 18:26 begins, “And they judged the people at all times.” • Moses followed Jethro’s counsel (Exodus 18:17-23), appointing “able men” as judges so justice never paused. • Continuous availability reflects God’s heart for consistent righteousness (Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 2 Chronicles 19:5-7). • Because sin and disputes arise daily, a perpetual court protected the community from festering grievances (Psalm 82:2-4). • Practical takeaway: God values orderly, nonstop care for His people, pointing ahead to Christ the perfect Judge who is always interceding (Hebrews 7:25). They would bring the difficult cases to Moses The verse continues, “they would bring the difficult cases to Moses.” • Lesser judges recognized limits and deferred when issues surpassed their wisdom—humility in leadership (Numbers 27:1-5). • Moses functioned as supreme earthly court, seeking the Lord for final verdicts (Exodus 33:7-11; Numbers 9:6-8). • God preserved unity by providing a clear chain of authority (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • This pattern foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Lawgiver to whom every hard case is ultimately brought (Isaiah 33:22; John 5:22-23). But any minor issue they would judge themselves The verse closes, “but any minor issue they would judge themselves.” • Delegation freed Moses for prayer and national oversight (Acts 6:2-4 mirrors this principle). • Everyday disagreements were settled quickly, preventing bitterness (Matthew 5:25-26; Ephesians 4:26-27). • Ordinary Israelites learned God’s statutes firsthand through local rulings (Deuteronomy 4:9), fostering spiritual maturity. • By trusting qualified men with small matters, God modeled shared leadership for families, churches, and communities today (Titus 1:5). summary Exodus 18:26 illustrates God-given delegation: constant justice through local judges, escalation of complex cases to God’s chosen leader, and swift resolution of minor disputes. The verse teaches humility, order, and shared responsibility, while pointing ahead to Christ, the final and flawless Judge who ensures righteous judgment for all. |
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