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Exodus 18:19 - Leadership's divine mediation role

Exodus 18:19 - שמות 18:19

Hebrew Text

עַתָּה שְׁמַע בְּקֹלִי אִיעָצְךָ וִיהִי אֱלֹהִים עִמָּךְ הֱיֵה אַתָּה לָעָם מוּל הָאֱלֹהִים וְהֵבֵאתָ אַתָּה אֶת־הַדְּבָרִים אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים׃

English Translation

Hearken now to my voice, I will give thee counsel, and may God be with thee: Be thou the link between the people and God, that thou mayst bring the cases to God:

Transliteration

Ata shema bekoli i'atzecha vihi Elohim imach, heyeh atah la'am mul ha'Elohim veheveta atah et-hadevarim el-ha'Elohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַתָּ֞ה שְׁמַ֤ע בְּקֹלִי֙ אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔ וִיהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑ךְ הֱיֵ֧ה אַתָּ֣ה לָעָ֗ם מ֚וּל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃
עַתָּ֞ה שְׁמַ֤ע בְּקֹלִי֙ אִיעָ֣צְךָ֔ וִיהִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים עִמָּ֑ךְ הֱיֵ֧ה אַתָּ֣ה לָעָ֗ם מ֚וּל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ אַתָּ֛ה אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 18:19) is part of the advice Yitro (Jethro) gives to Moshe Rabbeinu after observing him judging the people alone. Yitro, recognizing the burden on Moshe, suggests a system of delegated leadership to administer justice efficiently while maintaining Moshe's role as the primary intermediary between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

Key Phrases and Their Meanings

  • "Hearken now to my voice" - Rashi explains that Yitro is urging Moshe to listen to his counsel, emphasizing that this advice is divinely inspired for Moshe's benefit and the people's welfare.
  • "May God be with thee" - The Ramban notes that Yitro acknowledges Moshe's unique relationship with Hashem and prays that divine assistance will accompany Moshe in implementing this new judicial structure.
  • "Be thou the link between the people and God" - The Sforno interprets this as Moshe retaining his role as the primary teacher of Torah and conduit for divine communication, while others handle lesser disputes.

Yitro's Advice in Jewish Thought

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 18a) derives from this episode the importance of establishing a hierarchical court system, where simpler cases are resolved by lower courts and only the most complex matters reach the highest authority. The Midrash (Mechilta Yitro) highlights Yitro's wisdom in recognizing that Moshe's exhaustion could hinder his ability to lead effectively.

Leadership Lessons

  • Delegation with Oversight - Moshe remains the ultimate authority, as emphasized by "bring the cases to God," showing that major decisions still require his involvement (Ibn Ezra).
  • Preserving Spiritual Leadership - The Kli Yakar stresses that while administrative duties are shared, Moshe's unique prophetic role cannot be delegated, maintaining the people's direct connection to divine guidance.

Practical Application

This model informs Orthodox Jewish communities today, where rabbinic courts (Batei Din) handle routine matters while major halachic questions are referred to greater Torah authorities. The structure balances accessibility with maintaining the chain of mesorah (tradition) from Sinai.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:19 mean?
A: In Exodus 18:19, Yitro (Jethro) advises Moshe (Moses) to serve as an intermediary between the Jewish people and Hashem (God). According to Rashi, this means Moshe should bring the people's questions and disputes before God for divine guidance, acting as their representative in spiritual matters.
Q: Why is Yitro's advice to Moshe important?
A: Yitro's advice is important because it establishes the structure of Jewish leadership. As Rambam explains in Hilchot Sanhedrin, this verse lays the foundation for a system where Torah scholars and judges help the people understand God's laws, ensuring proper spiritual guidance and justice.
Q: How does Exodus 18:19 apply to Jewish leadership today?
A: This verse teaches that Jewish leaders—rabbis and teachers—must serve as a bridge between the people and Torah wisdom. The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that just as Moshe brought the people's concerns to God, today's leaders must guide the community with Torah values and halachic (Jewish legal) decisions.
Q: What can we learn from Yitro advising Moshe in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of seeking and accepting wise counsel, even for great leaders like Moshe. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) notes that humility in leadership—as shown by Moshe listening to Yitro—is essential for properly serving the Jewish people and fulfilling God's will.
Q: What does 'may God be with thee' mean in this context?
A: When Yitro says 'may God be with thee,' he is blessing Moshe that Hashem should grant him divine assistance in this sacred task. As Sforno explains, this phrase emphasizes that true leadership requires God's help to properly guide the people in Torah and mitzvot (commandments).