Exodus 18:19

Be thou for the people to God-ward. Or, “You shall represent the people before God” (RSV). Replying to Moses’ explanation as to why the people came to him and why he consented to deal with their various cases, Jethro pointed out that it is one thing to lay down principles and another to apply them. Moses might reserve the legislative function to himself, and in that capacity transmit to the people divine principles. But he should also select men able to apply the principles to the various situations that arose, and delegate to these persons the judicial function of government (vs. 21, 22). Bring the causes unto God. In difficult cases Moses actually laid the cause before God and obtained directions from Him as to the decision he should render (see Num. 15:32-36; 27:5-11).