Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da sa svigerfaren: «Det er ikke klokt det du gjør. Både du og folket her kommer til å bli helt utslitt. Dette er altfor mye for én mann, du bør ikke gjøre dette alene. Hør her, jeg skal gi deg et råd, og så skal Gud være med deg. Be til Gud på vegne av folket, og legg på den måten sakene fram for Gud. Så skal du undervise folket om budene og lovene. Du må lære dem hvordan de skal leve og om arbeidet de må gjøre. Så skal du plukke ut noen dyktige menn blant folket. Finn noen som har stor respekt for Gud, som synes sannhet er viktig og som hater grådighet. Sett dem som ledere over folket. Noen kan være ledere for 1000, noen for 100, noen for 50, og noen skal være ledere for ti. La disse være dommere for dem som de har ansvaret for. Så kan folket heller komme til deg med alle de store sakene, men i alle de små sakene skal de dømme selv. Da vil det bli lettere for deg, for disse skal bære byrden sammen med deg. Hvis du gjør dette, så skal du klare å holde ut uansett hva Gud befaler deg å gjøre. Da vil dette folket kunne komme hjem i fred.»
What Does This Mean?
In Exodus 18:17, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, tells Moses that his method of handling disputes is not good. He is concerned about Moses' workload and suggests a better way to manage the people.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a big box of toys to organize, and your friend says, 'You're doing it the hard way!' They might have a better idea to help you manage your toys more easily. That's what Jethro is doing for Moses.
Historical Background
The Book of Exodus was written by Moses, likely around 1440-1400 BCE. The audience includes the Israelites who were wandering in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. The cultural setting is one of transition and learning to govern a large group of people.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, this verse reminds us to seek advice and consider different perspectives when managing workloads or leading teams. For example, a manager might need to delegate tasks to avoid burnout and improve team efficiency.
The main lesson is the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, especially when it comes to managing heavy workloads or leadership roles.
Why did Jethro think Moses' method was not good?
Jethro observed that Moses was overburdened with judging all the people's disputes alone, which was unsustainable and inefficient for the community's growth and well-being.
How can Exodus 18:17 be applied in church leadership?
Church leaders can apply this by recognizing the need to delegate responsibilities and seek wise counsel to manage their workload effectively, ensuring the church operates smoothly.
What can we learn about delegation from Exodus 18:17?
We learn that delegation is not just about sharing work but also about selecting capable individuals and empowering them to contribute effectively to the community's governance.