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Here is the archetype or first draught of magistracy. Scripture is the best man of counsel for the greatest statesman in the world.

1. It first gives order for the care and circumspection in the choice. "Provide."

2. Secondly, it directs the choice by four essential characters of magistrates: —

(1)  Men of ability.

(2)  Fearing God.

(3)  Men of truth.

(4)  Hating covetousness.

3. Thirdly, it applies these four to magistrates of all degrees, in aa exact distribution of them, by way of gradation, descending step by step, from the highest to the lowest. "And place such over them to be rulers" —

(1)  Of thousands;

(2)  of hundreds;

(3)  of fifties;

(4)  of tens.

4. Fourthly, it prescribes to the magistrates, thus qualified and chosen, their offices, viz., to judge the people in the smaller causes, etc., and their assiduity and industry therein. "And let them judge the people at all seasons, etc. And it shall be that they shall bring every great matter to thee, but every small matter they shall judge."

5. Lastly, it propounds the blessed fruit and emolument that will necessarily ensue thereupon.

(1) To Moses himself, "So shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee, and thou shalt be able to endure."(2) To the people, "And all this people shall go to their place in peace."

(T. Brooks.)

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KJV: And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

WEB: Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good.