Did Moshe Need Yitro's Advice/3

Did Moshe Need Yitro's Advice?

Points of Dispute

Below 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. Meidan.
  • 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 אֱלֹהִים עִמָּךְ and וְצִוְּךָ אֱלֹהִים?
  • 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.