Exodus 18:21 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Moreover thou shalt provide, &c.— Jethro, advising Moses to retain his high office of mediator between God and the people, and to preserve to himself the supreme legislative power under God, (see Exodus 18:22.) exhorts him, very prudently, to establish subordinate rulers of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens; who were, at all seasons, to administer justice, according to the commission with which they were each entrusted. And, as nothing can be of greater consequence than that justice be truly and impartially administered, Jethro advises to select men of such qualifications as might render them fit for the office. He counsels, first, that they be able men, men of (חיל chil) persevering strength, firmness of body or mind, fortitude; a necessary qualification of judges, who, neither through fear nor favour, should be turned aside from the path of justice and integrity: the word also may include that patience and assiduity in hearing, weighing, &c. which is so requisite to just and impartial judgment. Secondly, That they be such as fear God, and, consequently, would bear in mind, that they also have a Judge in heaven. Thirdly, Men of truth; men whose veracity may be depended upon, who may be absolutely confided in and trusted, and, consequently, will never deviate from the paths of justice: indeed, truth and justice are so nearly allied, that the absence of the one from any tribunal must include the absence of the other. When Isaiah tells us, that judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; it is because truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter, Isaiah 59:14. Fourthly, Hating covetousness: this corresponds with fearing God, and is, indeed, the necessary consequence of it; for they who fear God must hate covetousness, which is idolatry, and consequently the grossest contradiction to a sincere regard for the Deity. The word is strong here, HATING covetousness; holding it in the utmost detestation and abhorrence; it being a vice, of all others, most improper for a judge: whose eyes the love of money would fatally blind, and cause him sadly to pervert judgment. See Deuteronomy 16:19. 1 Samuel 8:3. Happy people they whose judges and magistrates are endued with these qualifications!