Where in Exodus 18 does it say "and the Lord said"?
Exodus 18 nowhere contains the phrase "and the Lord said." According to the supplied context, the chapter records Jethro advising Moses, but the Lord is completely out of the picture; it is strictly a man speaking in the energy of the flesh, even though the counsel sounds logical and true.
Les teaches that in Exodus 18 you can search the chapter and not find any place where it says, "and the Lord said." The Lord is out of the picture here completely. This is strictly a man speaking in the energy of the flesh, even though it sounds very logical. Jethro, a Midianite priest, gives counsel in verses 19-21: hearken to my voice, I will give thee counsel, God be with thee, teach ordinances and laws, provide able men who fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness, rulers of thousands, hundreds, and fifties. Les notes there is nothing basically wrong with what Jethro advises, and it rings true, but it is not the Lord speaking. Then verse 24 says Moses harkened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he said, picking out men accordingly.
Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
More Questions
Where does God speak in Exodus 18?
In Exodus 18 the Lord is completely out of the picture — the chapter never contains a 'and the Lord said' statement.