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Exodus 18:23 - Leadership lightens burdens together?

Exodus 18:23 - שמות 18:23

Hebrew Text

אִם אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה תַּעֲשֶׂה וְצִוְּךָ אֱלֹהִים וְיָכָלְתָּ עֲמֹד וְגַם כָּל־הָעָם הַזֶּה עַל־מְקֹמוֹ יָבֹא בְשָׁלוֹם׃

English Translation

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall go to their place in peace.

Transliteration

Im et-hadavar hazeh ta'aseh vetzivcha Elohim veyachalta amod vegam kol-ha'am hazeh al-mekomo yavo veshalom.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִ֣ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְצִוְּךָ֣ אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְיָֽכׇלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד וְגַם֙ כׇּל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃
אִ֣ם אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְצִוְּךָ֣ אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְיָֽכׇלְתָּ֖ עֲמֹ֑ד וְגַם֙ כׇּל־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה עַל־מְקֹמ֖וֹ יָבֹ֥א בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Exodus 18:23) is part of Yitro's advice to Moshe regarding the establishment of a judicial system. Yitro suggests that Moshe delegate responsibilities to capable leaders to avoid burnout and ensure the people's needs are met efficiently. The phrase "וְצִוְּךָ אֱלֹהִים" ("and God command thee") indicates that Yitro emphasizes the necessity of divine approval for this structural change.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments that Yitro's advice was conditional upon Hashem's approval. The term "וְצִוְּךָ אֱלֹהִים" implies that Moshe should seek divine confirmation before implementing the new system. Rashi also notes that "וְיָכָלְתָּ עֲמֹד" ("then thou shalt be able to endure") refers to Moshe's ability to sustain his leadership role without becoming overwhelmed.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Sanhedrin (1:1-2), Rambam derives from this verse the foundational principles of judicial delegation. He explains that Moshe's acceptance of Yitro's advice established a precedent for hierarchical courts (Sanhedrin and lower Batei Din), ensuring Torah law is accessible to all.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Mechilta highlights Yitro's humility in recognizing that his proposal required divine sanction, teaching that even wise counsel must align with Torah principles.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 11) adds that "עַל־מְקֹמוֹ יָבֹא בְשָׁלוֹם" ("shall go to their place in peace") signifies both physical return and spiritual contentment—when justice is administered properly, societal harmony follows.

Practical Lessons

The verse underscores key leadership principles in Jewish thought:

  • Divine Guidance: Even well-intentioned reforms require alignment with Torah.
  • Shared Responsibility: Leaders must delegate to preserve their strength and serve the community effectively.
  • Peace Through Justice: A functional judicial system brings shalom (peace) to the nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 18:23 mean?
A: This verse is part of Yitro's (Jethro's) advice to Moshe (Moses) about delegating leadership responsibilities. Yitro tells Moshe that if he follows this advice and it is in accordance with Hashem's will, both Moshe and the people will be able to endure their challenges and live in peace. Rashi explains that this shows the importance of proper leadership structure in maintaining harmony.
Q: Why is Exodus 18:23 important?
A: This verse is important because it teaches us about effective leadership and the value of shared responsibility in a community. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:1) later codifies these principles of delegation in Jewish law, showing how Yitro's advice became a lasting model for Jewish leadership structures.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 18:23 today?
A: We learn that good leadership involves both divine guidance (when it says 'and God command thee') and practical wisdom in delegating responsibilities. The Talmud (Berachot 55a) derives from this that important communal matters require both heavenly approval and proper human implementation. This applies to any community structure today.
Q: Who was speaking in Exodus 18:23?
A: These words were spoken by Yitro (Jethro), Moshe's father-in-law, who was a Midianite priest that recognized Hashem's greatness. The Midrash (Mechilta on this verse) highlights how Yitro's advice was accepted because it aligned with divine wisdom, showing that truth can come from righteous people outside Israel.
Q: What does 'go to their place in peace' mean in Exodus 18:23?
A: The phrase means that with proper leadership structure, the people will be able to settle their disputes peacefully and live harmoniously. Ibn Ezra explains that 'their place' refers both to their physical settlements in the land and to each person finding their proper role in society without conflict.