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Exodus 18:16 - Teaching God's laws through judgment

Exodus 18:16 - שמות 18:16

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יִהְיֶה לָהֶם דָּבָר בָּא אֵלַי וְשָׁפַטְתִּי בֵּין אִישׁ וּבֵין רֵעֵהוּ וְהוֹדַעְתִּי אֶת־חֻקֵּי הָאֱלֹהִים וְאֶת־תּוֹרֹתָיו׃

English Translation

When they have a matter, they come to me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God and his Torot.

Transliteration

Ki-yihye lahem davar ba elai v'shafateti bein ish uvein re'ehu v'hodati et-chukei ha'elohim v'et-torotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֨ה לָהֶ֤ם דָּבָר֙ בָּ֣א אֵלַ֔י וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י בֵּ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ וּבֵ֣ין רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְהוֹדַעְתִּ֛י אֶת־חֻקֵּ֥י הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים וְאֶת־תּוֹרֹתָֽיו׃
כִּֽי־יִהְיֶ֨ה לָהֶ֤ם דָּבָר֙ בָּ֣א אֵלַ֔י וְשָׁ֣פַטְתִּ֔י בֵּ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ וּבֵ֣ין רֵעֵ֑הוּ וְהוֹדַעְתִּ֛י אֶת־חֻקֵּ֥י הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים וְאֶת־תּוֹרֹתָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Shemot (Exodus 18:16)

This verse appears in Parashat Yitro, where Moshe Rabbeinu explains to his father-in-law Yitro how he adjudicates disputes among Bnei Yisrael. The verse reflects Moshe's role as both a judge and a teacher of Hashem's laws.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 18:16) emphasizes that Moshe not only resolved disputes but also taught the underlying principles of Torah law. When he said "וְהוֹדַעְתִּי אֶת־חֻקֵּי הָאֱלֹהִים," he would clarify:

  • The divine origin of the laws (חוקים)
  • The logical reasoning behind the laws (תורות)

Rambam on Judicial Responsibility

In Hilchot Sanhedrin (24:1), the Rambam derives from this verse that judges must:

  • Rule on the immediate case (ושפטתי בין איש ובין רעהו)
  • Educate the litigants about relevant Torah principles (והודעתי את חוקי האלקים)

Midrashic Insight

The Mechilta (Yitro 2) notes the plural form "תורתיו" (His Torot) teaches that Moshe transmitted:

  • The Written Torah (תורה שבכתב)
  • The Oral Torah (תורה שבעל פה)

Chasidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet (Yitro 5637) explains that true judgment requires revealing the divine unity within disputes - showing how both parties ultimately serve Hashem's will through the conflict's resolution.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:16 mean?
A: Exodus 18:16 describes how Moshe (Moses) would judge disputes among the Israelites and teach them God's laws (chukim and torot). According to Rashi, this verse shows Moshe's role as both a judge and a teacher, clarifying God's commandments for the people.
Q: Why is Exodus 18:16 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the foundation of Jewish leadership—combining justice (mishpat) with Torah instruction. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin) explains that proper judges must not only resolve conflicts but also educate people in Torah law, following Moshe's example.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 18:16 today?
A: We learn that Torah leaders must balance judgment with teaching. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b) derives from this verse that judges should explain their rulings to help people understand God's laws. This applies today as rabbis and dayanim (Jewish judges) guide communities with both psak (halachic rulings) and Torah education.
Q: What are the 'chukim' and 'torot' mentioned in Exodus 18:16?
A: Rashi explains that 'chukim' refers to decrees (laws whose reasons aren't obvious, like kashrut), while 'torot' (plural of Torah) includes all commandments. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 30:3) teaches that Moshe taught both the simple meaning and deeper interpretations of these laws.
Q: How did Yitro's advice relate to Exodus 18:16?
A: Just before this verse, Yitro saw Moshe judging alone (Exodus 18:14). The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that Yitro's suggestion to appoint lower courts (18:21-22) preserved Moshe's model from our verse—ensuring all judges would teach God's laws while easing Moshe's burden.