Summaries:
The Israelites complain (again) about not having water, and God provides water from a rock, and with God's help (only while Moses' staff is raised), the Israelites defeat Amalek in a little battle (17). Moses' father-in-law Jethro comes and is told of all that God has done, and he advises Moses to appoint judges to help people with questions of morality, so Moses does this (18). God tells Moses that if they follow Him, they will be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, and the people obey. God also comes to Moses in a cloud on the mountain, and he is advised that no one else is to come up the mountain (19). God gives Moses hte commandments which the people are to follow (20).
Reflections:
I found it interesting that Moses was the principal means of judgment and morality prior to Jethro's advise. Without laws or established rules, the people would bring their disagreements to Moses, since God spoke through him so often, and he would be their means of knowing what is right. But as Jethro tells hi in 18:21, he must appoint good and holy men to act as officers over groups. Moses still settles large disputes, but the rest goes to these lower judges. It reminds me of two things: first, how we have Supreme Court judges, as well as everyday judges for smaller disputes. But also it reminds me of the way the Church has the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, as well as other Bishops, and priests, each doing their part in helping to guide the people of God. If the Pope was supposed to be in charge of everyone by himself, it would never work. But that is why we have these holy men who lead us, all as part of one universal Church.
Quotes:
Exodus 19:8 - "The people all answered together, 'Everything the Lord has said, we will do."
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I think it's interesting that the people need elders and judges to help them understand morality. Even though it is written on our hearts, that's often obscure, and we need people to teach and guide us. Yes, we need big leaders standing up front to tell us important things, but we also need elders in our homes and local communities, folks with whom we can talk, with whom we can grow together. I, for one, have been very thankful to have been blessed with such men in my life, particularly in high school and as an undergraduate.
ReplyDeleteI find it fascinating that the judges, which prove to be so essential in the governing of Israel, came about simply because Jethro - who is not even an Israelite - suggested that Moses appoint them!
ReplyDeleteAnd judgeship (if you will) was instituted before the hereditary priesthood! That I did not know. It would be /very/ interesting to brainstorm judge / priest / prophet / king in the Israelite tradition...
Billy C's quote-of-the-day:
ReplyDeleteYou will surely wear yourself out, and not only yourself but also these people with you. The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Ex 18:18