Exodus 18:21
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
Exodus 18:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Moses is instructing the people of Israel on how to set up a system of leadership and governance within their community. He emphasizes the importance of choosing able men who fear God, are men of truth, and hate covetousness to be placed as rulers over them. By selecting individuals with these qualities, the community ensures that those in positions of authority will govern with integrity, justice, and righteousness. The division of rulers into groups based on the number of people they oversee - rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens - allows for a hierarchical structure that allows for effective leadership, delegation, and accountability. This system of governance established by Moses serves as a foundation for the principles of good leadership that are essential for the success and well-being of the Israelite community.
Theological Overview
When delving into the theological interpretation of Exodus 18:21, we find a passage that emphasizes the importance of leadership qualities and characteristics in the selection of rulers. The verse highlights the criteria for choosing leaders among the Israelites to assist Moses in governing the people. The term "able men" refers to individuals who are capable and competent in their abilities. Those who "fear God" are individuals who demonstrate reverence and respect for the divine. "Men of truth" are those who are honest and trustworthy in their dealings. Lastly, "hating covetousness" refers to those who are free from the desire for material wealth and possessions. These qualities demonstrate the importance of selecting righteous and upright individuals to lead and govern the people. The hierarchical structure outlined in the verse, ranging from rulers of thousands to rulers of tens, indicates a system of governance that promotes order and organization within the community.
Exodus 18:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
Moreover 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:
World English Bible
Moreover you shall 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.
Douay-Rheims
And provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, in whom there is truth, and that hate avarice, and appoint of them rulers of thousands, and of hundreds, and of fifties, and of tens,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer, prouide thou among al the people men of courage, fearing God, men dealing truely, hating couetousnesse: and appoynt such ouer them to be rulers ouer thousandes, rulers ouer hundreths, rulers ouer fifties, and rulers ouer tennes.