John Gill Commentary Exodus 18:14

"And when Moses` father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand about thee from morning unto even?" — Exodus 18:14 (ASV)

And when Moses's father in law saw all that he did to the
people
Or for them ^F17; for their information and instruction in the laws of God, and for the decision of cases brought before him, according to them; and what a deal of business was on his hands, and he went through for the good of the people:

he said, what is this thing that you do to the people ?
this question he put, not as being ignorant what he did, he saw what he did, and understood it full well, but this he said to lead on to some conversation upon this head:

why do you sit by yourself alone ?
no other judge upon the bench with him to assist him, to take it by turns, and to relieve and ease him:

and all the people stand by you from morning until evening ?
not being able to get their causes heard and tried, there being so many of them; and therefore some were obliged to wait all day long, before they could have their business done, which was both fatiguing to him and them.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F17: (Mel) "propter populum" Vatablus.