Exodus 18:24-25

(24, 25) Moses hearkened.—The appointment of judges, according to Jethro’s advice, was not made until after the giving of the Law and the setting up of the Tabernacle. (See Deuteronomy 1:9-15.) In one particular Moses departed from the counsel given to him. Instead of directly choosing the “able men” himself, he left the selection to the people (Deuteronomy 1:13). And contented himself with investing the men chosen with their authority. Comp. the course taken by the apostolic college with respect to the first deacons (Acts 6:3-6).