John Calvin Commentary Exodus 18:21

"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:" — Exodus 18:21 (ASV)

Moreover, you shall¹⁹⁹ provide out of all the people. Literally so, “you shall provide;” meaning, you shall choose out and take the most worthy, so that such an office is not entrusted rashly to anyone who offers. But this was most reasonable, among a free people, that the judges should not be chosen for their wealth or rank, but for their superiority in virtue.

Yet, although it is right that virtue should chiefly be regarded, so that if anyone from the lower orders is found more suitable than others, he should be preferred over the noble or the rich, still, if anyone chooses to lay this down as a perpetual and necessary rule, he will justly be considered contentious.

Jethro enumerates four qualifications that must be principally regarded in the appointment of judges: namely, ability in business, the fear of God, integrity, and the contempt of riches. This is not to exclude others of which, as we shall soon see, mention is made in Deuteronomy 1, but to signify that not all are qualified; indeed, that extraordinary virtues are required, which, by synecdoche, he embraces in these four.

The words that we translate “brave men,”²⁰⁰ (viros fortes), are, in Hebrew, “men of bravery” (viros fortitudinis); by this title, some think that strong and laborious men are described. But in my opinion, Moses rather designates strenuous and courageous persons, whom he contrasts not only with the inactive but also with the timid and cowardly.

But because vigor of mind, as well as of body, is only frail without the fear of God, he adds piety in the second place, in that they should exercise their office as having an account to render to God.

“Truth” is contrasted not only with deception and gross falsehoods but also with popularity-hunting, flattering promises, and other crooked arts that tend to corrupt justice.

Lastly, hatred of covetousness is demanded, because nothing is more antagonistic to justice than an eagerness for gain. And since snares are so constantly set for judges by offers of pecuniary advantage, they would not be adequately fortified against this mode of corruption unless they earnestly detested avarice.

¹⁹⁹ Thou shalt choose. — Lat..

²⁰⁰ אנשי חיל, Men of might. It is S. M. who thinks the words to mean “Strong and hardy men, capable of bearing fatigue.” ́̓Αιδρας δυνατοὺς LXX. — W.