21 But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes.(A) Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.(B) 22 They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load,[a] and they will bear it with you.(C) 23 If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.”[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Exodus 18:22 Lit lighten from on you
  2. Exodus 18:23 Lit go to their place in peace

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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