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Exodus 18:13 - Moshe judges from dawn?

Exodus 18:13 - שמות 18:13

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי מִמָּחֳרָת וַיֵּשֶׁב מֹשֶׁה לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת־הָעָם וַיַּעֲמֹד הָעָם עַל־מֹשֶׁה מִן־הַבֹּקֶר עַד־הָעָרֶב׃

English Translation

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moshe sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moshe from the morning to the evening.

Transliteration

Vayehi mimacharat vayeshev Moshe lishpot et-ha'am vaya'amod ha'am al-Moshe min-haboker ad-ha'arev.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט אֶת־הָעָ֑ם וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד הָעָם֙ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִן־הַבֹּ֖קֶר עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃
וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב מֹשֶׁ֖ה לִשְׁפֹּ֣ט אֶת־הָעָ֑ם וַיַּעֲמֹ֤ד הָעָם֙ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִן־הַבֹּ֖קֶר עַד־הָעָֽרֶב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus 18:13)

This verse describes Moshe Rabbeinu's role as the sole judge for Bnei Yisrael after Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). The scene occurs shortly after Yitro's arrival, where he observes Moshe adjudicating disputes from morning until evening.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "וַיֵּשֶׁב מֹשֶׁה לִשְׁפֹּט" ("Moshe sat to judge") implies Moshe established himself as a permanent judge for the people. Rashi further notes that the people stood "מן הבקר עד הערב" ("from morning to evening")—not because the cases were overly complex, but due to the sheer volume of disputes brought before him. This highlights Moshe's immense patience and dedication to justice.

Rambam's Perspective on Judicial Leadership

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Sanhedrin (Laws of Courts) 1:1-2 derives from this episode that a single judge cannot sustainably handle an entire nation's legal matters. This leads to Yitro's later advice (Exodus 18:17-23) to establish a hierarchical court system—a foundational principle for Jewish jurisprudence.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 10) emphasizes Moshe's humility: despite his greatness, he made himself available to every individual, treating each case with equal importance.
  • Mechilta de-Rabbi Yishmael notes that the people's standing (rather than sitting) reflects their reverence for Moshe as Hashem's chosen leader.

Practical Lessons

The verse teaches:

  • The necessity of delegation in leadership (as later implemented through Yitro's counsel).
  • The ideal of accessibility in justice—Moshe did not turn anyone away, despite the physical toll.
  • The balance between individual attention and systemic efficiency in communal governance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 7a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper times for judges to hold court, emphasizing the importance of not overburdening judges with cases from morning till evening.
📖 Yoma 2a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the dedication and endurance required of leaders, using Moshe's example of judging the people from morning to evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:13 mean when it says Moshe judged the people from morning to evening?
A: This verse describes how Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher) spent entire days settling disputes and teaching Torah to the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this shows Moshe's tremendous dedication, as he patiently judged every case personally from morning until night.
Q: Why is this moment with Moshe judging the people important?
A: This moment is important because it sets the stage for Yitro (Jethro) to suggest creating a court system (Exodus 18:17-23). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 2a) teaches that from here we learn the importance of establishing proper judicial systems to administer justice efficiently.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe judging the people all day?
A: We learn about Moshe's exceptional leadership qualities - his patience, commitment to justice, and willingness to serve the people. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that Moshe treated every person's case with equal importance, teaching us the value of giving each person proper attention.
Q: How does this verse about Moshe judging apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Sanhedrin derives from this that judges must be available to the people and treat cases seriously. Today, this teaches the importance of both leaders making themselves accessible and community members respecting proper judicial processes.
Q: Why did the people stand before Moshe all day?
A: Rashi explains they stood out of respect for Moshe's greatness and the sanctity of the judicial process. The Talmud (Yevamot 62b) notes that standing before Torah scholars shows proper reverence for Torah wisdom, a practice that continues today when standing for rabbinical judges.