But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. The criteria for the delegated judges are character-based, not skill-based: fear God, trustworthy, hate dishonest gain. The capacity to make good decisions is assumed; what Jethro specifies is the moral formation that makes the capacity trustworthy. 1 Timothy 3:2–7 lists qualifications for elders in similar terms: above reproach, self-controlled, not a lover of money. The leadership structure Jethro recommends is the first organizational hierarchy in Israel, and its character criteria will govern every subsequent appointment of covenant community leadership.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse