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Exodus 18:22 - Shared leadership lightens burdens.

Exodus 18:22 - שמות 18:22

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁפְטוּ אֶת־הָעָם בְּכָל־עֵת וְהָיָה כָּל־הַדָּבָר הַגָּדֹל יָבִיאוּ אֵלֶיךָ וְכָל־הַדָּבָר הַקָּטֹן יִשְׁפְּטוּ־הֵם וְהָקֵל מֵעָלֶיךָ וְנָשְׂאוּ אִתָּךְ׃

English Translation

and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring to thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

Transliteration

Veshaftu et-ha'am bechol-et vehaya kol-hadavar hagadol yavi'u eleycha vechol-hadavar hakaton yishpetu-hem vehakel me'alecha venas'u itach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁפְט֣וּ אֶת־הָעָם֮ בְּכׇל־עֵת֒ וְהָיָ֞ה כׇּל־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַגָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְכׇל־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַקָּטֹ֖ן יִשְׁפְּטוּ־הֵ֑ם וְהָקֵל֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְנָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽךְ׃
וְשָׁפְט֣וּ אֶת־הָעָם֮ בְּכׇל־עֵת֒ וְהָיָ֞ה כׇּל־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַגָּדֹל֙ יָבִ֣יאוּ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְכׇל־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַקָּטֹ֖ן יִשְׁפְּטוּ־הֵ֑ם וְהָקֵל֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ וְנָשְׂא֖וּ אִתָּֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Shemot 18:22) appears in the context of Yitro advising Moshe on establishing a judicial system. Yitro observes that Moshe alone judges all disputes among Bnei Yisrael, which is unsustainable. He suggests delegating authority to capable leaders who can handle minor cases, while only major disputes are brought to Moshe.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "every great matter" refers to difficult halachic questions that require deeper wisdom, while "every small matter" refers to straightforward monetary disputes or common legal cases. The phrase "וְהָקֵל מֵעָלֶיךָ" ("so shall it be easier for thyself") emphasizes that this delegation will prevent Moshe from becoming overwhelmed.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Sanhedrin (1:1), Rambam elaborates on this model, stating that a hierarchical court system is essential for Torah governance. Lower courts handle routine cases, while higher courts (like Moshe's) address complex halachic issues. This structure ensures accessibility and efficiency in justice.

Talmudic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 2a: The Talmud derives from this verse that judges must be appointed in every Jewish community to maintain order and Torah observance.
  • Avodah Zarah 8b: The phrase "וְנָשְׂאוּ אִתָּךְ" ("they shall bear the burden with thee") teaches that sharing leadership responsibilities is a mitzvah, preventing burnout of righteous leaders.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Mechilta (Yitro 2) notes that Yitro's advice was Divinely inspired, as Hashem wanted Moshe to focus on teaching Torah rather than settling every minor dispute. This highlights the importance of delegating communal responsibilities to qualified individuals.

Practical Halachic Application

This verse establishes the model for dayanim (judges) in Jewish communities throughout history. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 1:1) codifies that every Jewish community must appoint qualified judges to adjudicate according to Torah law, following this biblical precedent.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 2a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the appointment of judges and the delegation of judicial authority, illustrating the principle of distributing judicial responsibilities.
📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the roles and responsibilities of leaders and judges in the community, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:22 mean?
A: Exodus 18:22 describes the advice Yitro (Jethro) gave to Moshe (Moses) about establishing a system of judges to help govern the Jewish people. The verse explains that smaller legal matters should be handled by appointed judges, while only major issues should be brought directly to Moshe. This was meant to ease Moshe's burden and create an efficient judicial system.
Q: Why is Exodus 18:22 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the foundation of the Jewish judicial system. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 2a), this model of delegating authority to qualified judges became the basis for the Sanhedrin (high court) and lower courts in Jewish law. It teaches the value of shared leadership and proper legal structure.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 18:22 today?
A: We learn several key lessons: 1) The importance of delegation and not carrying all responsibilities alone (as Rambam discusses in Hilchot Sanhedrin). 2) The need for a structured judicial system with different levels of courts. 3) That even great leaders like Moshe needed advice and assistance. This applies to community leadership and personal life.
Q: How does the Torah define 'great matter' vs 'small matter' in this verse?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources (Rashi on Exodus 18:22, based on Mechilta), 'great matters' refer to difficult legal cases or new halachic questions that require higher authority, while 'small matters' are routine cases where the law is clear. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 5b) explains that monetary cases above certain amounts were considered 'great matters.'
Q: How did Moshe implement this system of judges?
A: The Torah later describes (Deuteronomy 1:9-18) how Moshe actually established this system, appointing judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains these were different levels of courts, with more difficult cases ascending to higher courts. This became the model for Jewish courts throughout history.