Exodus 18:17

17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing isn't good.

Exodus 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 18:17

And Moses's father in law said unto him
Having observed what he did, and heard his answer to the question he put to him:

the thing that thou doest is not good;
not meaning that it was not morally good, or that it was morally evil; for it was certainly a good thing to inquire of the mind and will of God for the people, and to hear and decide matters in controversy between them, and do justice to both parties; but it was not good for the health of Moses; it was not commodious and convenient for him; it was not for his bodily welfare; it was too much for him, as he explains himself in the next verse.

Exodus 18:17 In-Context

15 Moses answered him. He said, "The people come to me to find out what God wants them to do.
16 Anytime they don't agree, they come to me. I decide between them. I tell them about God's rules and laws."
17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing isn't good.
18 You will just get worn out. And so will these people who come to you. There's too much work for you. You can't possibly handle it by yourself.
19 "Listen to me. I'll give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must speak to God for the people. Take their problems to him.
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