he would rain manna from Heaven (.), and Moses and Aaron gave instructions to the people (.ff.). Moses then told Aaron to say to the people “Draw near to the Lord” (.). Moses gave further instructions to the people about manna, but not all of them obeyed (.ff.). Further on, again the people disobeyed (.ff.). God told Moses that some manna should be placed before the covenant for ever, and Moses so instructed Aaron (. ff.). The people quarreled with Moses because they had no water, and Moses told God that the people were almost ready to stone him. God told Moses to strike a rock with his staff and water came forth (.ff.). God enabled Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, to defeat Amalek (17.8 ff). Again a clear pattern emerges. God had chosen Moses to be the leader of the Israelites. For God, Aaron is definitely Moses’ subordinate, and Aaron acted as Moses’ intermediary with the people. Time and again God saved the Israelites in distress with a miracle performed through Moses. Yet time and again when the people were in distress, they quarreled with Moses. Despite his authority from God, Moses did not have the confidence of his people. His control was shaky. Perhaps more immediately in the present context, Moses was wearing himself out with hearing lawsuits all day long. His father-inlaw had come for a visit, saw Moses judging all day, wearing himself out (.), and he advised him to teach the people the statutes and instructions. He also advised that Moses should appoint judges to hear minor cases, but should hear major cases himself. Moses agreed. He summoned the people and they agreed to do whatever God said (.). Shortly thereafter, God delivered the Ten Commandments. Thus, a leader in trouble received authoritative legislation. I need not record the steps by which God ensured that only Moses would see Him and speak with Him (.ff.). Nor is it important to discuss the laws that God subsequently gave orally to Moses (.
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