21 Furthermore, you shall [a]select out of all the people (A)able men (B)who fear God, men of truth, those who (C)hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, [b]of hundreds, [c]of fifties and [d]of tens. 22 Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be (D)that every major [e]dispute they will bring to you, but every minor [f]dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and (E)they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to [g]endure, and all [h]these people also will go to [i]their place in peace.”

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Footnotes

  1. Exodus 18:21 Lit see
  2. Exodus 18:21 Lit leaders of
  3. Exodus 18:21 Lit leaders of
  4. Exodus 18:21 Lit leaders of
  5. Exodus 18:22 Lit matter
  6. Exodus 18:22 Lit matter
  7. Exodus 18:23 Lit stand
  8. Exodus 18:23 Lit this
  9. Exodus 18:23 Lit his

21 But select capable men(A) from all the people—men who fear(B) God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain(C)—and appoint them as officials(D) over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case(E) to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share(F) it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

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