Definition: And when Mosesâ 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?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 18:14. It’s a really important and somewhat puzzling passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core of the Story: Moses is leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness. He’s setting up a camp and, as he’s observing his people, he notices something incredibly strange happening. What’s Happening? The People are Standing by Him Alone: The people are completely devoted to Moses and are staying with him without any other leaders or authority. They're following everything he says and doing everything he asks them to do. He’s Sitting Alone: This is the really strange part. He’s sitting alone, seemingly not needing anyone else around. The Question Raised: Moses is asking himself, "Why am I doing this? Why am I setting up a camp and being so solitary?" Possible Interpretations (and what it suggests): This verse isn't about him being lonely; it’s about his own perspective. Here are a few ways to understand it: He’s Seeking Guidance: Perhaps Moses is feeling lost or unsure of how to lead the people effectively. He might be struggling with a difficult decision and needs someone to guide him. A Test of Faith: It could be that he's testing his faith – is he truly capable of leading, or are there things he doesn’t understand? He’s asking for an explanation of why he’s doing this. His Own Pride: It might also suggest a moment of pride, a feeling of being in charge, and a need to be alone to feel empowered. In short, the verse is a moment of reflection on Moses' position and his own thoughts as he observes his people. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries. It’s a classic example of biblical text that invites deeper interpretation! --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this passage? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?