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Exodus 18:20

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 18:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
Exodus 18:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And Moses` father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God be with thee: be thou for the people to God-ward, and bring thou the causes unto God:
20and thou shalt teach them the statutes and the laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear [the burden] with thee.
23If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.
← Exodus 18:19Exodus 18:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, etc.] Both with respect to things civil and religious, which he should receive from God: and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk; the path of faith and duty, the way of truth, holiness, and righteousness: and the work that they must do; both with respect to God, and one another, the various duties and exercises of religion, everything relating to their moral, religious, and civil conduct.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Teach them - The Hebrew word is emphatic, and signifies “enlightenment.” The text gives four distinct points: (a) the “ordinances,” or specific enactments, (b) “the laws,” or general regulations, (c) “the way,” the general course of duty, (d) “the works,” each specific act. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“teach: Exo 18:16; Deu 4:1, Deu 4:5, Deu 5:1, Deu 6:1, Deu 6:2, Deu 7:11; Neh 9:13, Neh 9:14 the way: Sa1 12:23; Psa 32:8, Psa 143:8; Isa 30:21; Jer 6:16, Jer 42:3; Mic 4:2; Th1 4:1 work: Deu 1:18; Eze 3:17; Mat 28:20; Mar 13:34; Th2 3:6-12 Exodus 18:21”
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Related study paths

Read Exodus 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification