Definition: And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 18:26. It’s a really interesting and slightly unusual verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God allowed difficult or challenging times to happen to the Israelites (the people Moses led) – but he also gave them the ability to judge those challenges themselves. Let's unpack it a little further: “And they judged the people at all seasons…” - This means God wasn’t just letting things happen randomly. He was setting up a system for observing and responding to difficulties that would come their way. “…the hard causes they brought unto Moses…” – This refers to times when the Israelites faced really tough situations, like famine, war, or oppression. It's not about causing them; it’s about letting them experience difficult things. "...but every small matter they judged themselves." - This is the key part. God wasn't just passively watching these challenges. He gave the Israelites a chance to think about what was happening, to understand why it was happening, and to decide how to respond. He wanted them to be involved in the process of dealing with those difficulties. What does this mean practically? It suggests that God doesn’t want us to just run away from problems. He wants us to: Be proactive: Don't just react when things go wrong; think about how to handle them. Take responsibility: Understand the impact of our choices and actions, even in difficult situations. Learn and grow: The challenges we face are opportunities for growth and wisdom. Why is this a powerful message? It’s a reminder that God isn't always controlling everything. He allows difficulties to happen so we can learn, become stronger, and ultimately, trust Him more. In short, it’s about the idea that God allows challenges, but also empowers us to understand them and respond wisely. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a specific context (like the story of Moses)?