Did Moshe Need Yitro's Advice?

Points of Dispute

These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:

Did Moshe exhibit leadership flaws?
- Yes – Ralbag.
- No – Abarbanel.
Portrait of Yitro – see Yitro's Religious Identity
- Divinely inspired – Tzeror HaMor, Akeidat Yitzchak.
- Well intentioned but not so helpful – Abarbanel.
- Arrogant – Philo.
Attitude toward Gentiles and their wisdom
- Positive –
- Negative –
Why were there so many litigants?
- This was the norm – Ralbag.
- There were disputes regarding the spoils from Amalek or over water quotas – R. Medan.
- A backlog from Moshe's prolonged stay on Mount Sinai – Rashi.
When did Yitro suggest his advice?
- Immediately after the battle with Amalek – Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel.
- On the day after Yom HaKippurim – Rashi.
- In the second year – Ralbag.
What is the meaning of וִיהִי אֱ-לֹהִים עִמָּךְ and וְצִוְּךָ אֱ-לֹהִים?
- Moshe should consult with God as to whether to appoint judges – Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Yitro Amalek 2, Rashi.
- God needs to give a code of civil law before the judges can function – Akeidat Yitzchak.
- If Moshe appoints judges he will have time to speak to God – Abarbanel.
When did Moshe appoint judges?
- Before the Decalogue – Ma'asei Hashem, Shadal.
- After the Decalogue, but in the first year – .
- In the second year – Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel.