Kommentar zu Schemot 18:20

AND THOU SHALT TEACH THEM THE STATUTES AND THE LAWS, AND SHALT SHOW THEM THE WAY WHEREIN THEY MUST WALK. That is, “according to the law and the commandment with which you will strongly admonish them, and you will teach the law and the commandment.” Thus Jethro also conceded to Moses on this matter, of which he had said, and I make them know the statutes of G-d, and His laws.⁹⁸Above, Verse 16. In this too there was counsel [on the part of Jethro], i.e., that Moses should strongly admonish them and warn them of the commandments and [Divine] punishments [in case of transgression], since he himself would not be involved in the execution of the law. “But in matters of judgment whereof you said, and I judge between a man and his neighbor,⁹⁸Above, Verse 16. designate judges to act with you, for the thing is too heavy for thee.⁹⁹Verse 18. That is, the judging of disputes between them is heavier than all, and it would be good for you and for them to make it easier for you and they shall bear the burden with thee.”¹⁰⁰Verse 22. The purport of Jethro’s counsel to Moses, according to Ramban, was thus: “You are indeed correct in not delegating to others the inquiry of G-d on all matters they desire. So also in the matter of instructing the people in G-d’s laws. But in judging their disputes, add other judges to join with you.” Now it is known that Moses had officers in charge of the people. [It was the duty of these officers] to bring before him the persons against whom claims had been made and to force them to comply with the verdict of the judges. He assigned many of these officers as these judges. This is why Moses said in Deuteronomy, and I made them heads over you, captains of thousands… and officers, tribe by tribe.¹⁰¹Deuteronomy 1:15. There was no need to mention them here since their appointment was not part of Jethro’s counsel.

והזהרת אתהם את החקים ואת התורה, “and you will caution them regarding the decrees and the teachings.” Yitro also acknowledged the need for Moses to deal with the second matter he had mentioned personally, i.e. to inform the people of the decrees and the teachings mentioned in verse 16. However, concerning the third matter, i.e. Moses being the adjudicator of every dispute, Yitro did not agree that Moses personally had to deal with such matters. This is why he said to him (verse 18) “this matter is too hard for you (personally)”. He therefore suggested that Moses deputise people to carry out litigations in his place. He stipulated that the people appointed for such a task be אנשי חיל, (an attribute we will discuss in verse 21).