Exodus 18:17

17 Then Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not 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 And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God.

16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I declare unto them the statutes of God and his laws.

17 Then Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou and this people that is with thee; for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people before God that thou may submit the causes unto God.