Exodus 18

As Moses's father-in-law, Jethro, a high priest in Midian, heard all the God had done for Moses and the children of Israel, he came to visit him while they were encamped at the "mount of God".  I'm sure Moses was thrilled has he brought his wife and children with him for we know Moses had sent them back home with all that was going on in Egypt.

It is with Jethro's visit that we learn the wisdom of delegation for as Jethro observed that -

"...Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening."  (Old Testament | Exodus 18:13)

And then -

"...when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone."  (Old Testament | Exodus 18:14 - 18)

It is herein that Jethro teaches Moses great wisdom, counseling -

"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
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:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace."  (Old Testament | Exodus 18:19 - 23)

I specifically note Jethro's counsel..."if thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee".  Obviously, Jethro understood that Moses was to follow the inspiration and guidance of the Lord in all matters.

Moses must have been humble and teachable as he -

 "...hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said."  (Old Testament | Exodus 18:24)

We read in modern day instruction -

Delegate Responsibility and Ensure Accountability

Individual leaders cannot and should not do everything themselves. Leaders who try to do too much will “surely wear away” (Exodus 18:18), and so will the people they serve. Leaders should delegate service opportunities to others, such as counselors, clerks, and members of councils or committees.

Delegation includes more than giving someone an assignment. It includes the following elements:

• Explaining the purposes of the assignment, suggesting ways it could be done, and explaining when it should be completed. The assigned person should understand and accept accountability to perform the assignment and report on it.
  
• Keeping a written record of the assignment and checking progress from time to time.
              
• Respecting the assigned person’s efforts to develop plans and fulfill the assignment. Leaders provide encouragement and assistance as needed.


• Asking the person to report back about the assignment. After receiving the report, the leader accepts the person’s best efforts and expresses appreciation for the good things the person has done.

What great lessons we can learn in the Old Testament.