Exodus 18:17

17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing isn't good.

Exodus 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 18:17

And Moses's father in law said unto him
Having observed what he did, and heard his answer to the question he put to him:

the thing that thou doest is not good;
not meaning that it was not morally good, or that it was morally evil; for it was certainly a good thing to inquire of the mind and will of God for the people, and to hear and decide matters in controversy between them, and do justice to both parties; but it was not good for the health of Moses; it was not commodious and convenient for him; it was not for his bodily welfare; it was too much for him, as he explains himself in the next verse.

Exodus 18:17 In-Context

15 Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.

16 When a conflict arises between them, they come to me and I judge between the two of them. I also teach them God's regulations and instructions."

17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing isn't good.

18 You will end up totally wearing yourself out, both you and these people who are with you. The work is too difficult for you. You can't do it alone.

19 Now listen to me and let me give you some advice. And may God be with you! Your role should be to represent the people before God. You should bring their disputes before God yourself.