From Judaism’s Holy Tanakh: Book of Exodus, Chapters 18-20, Part 1 of 2

Chapter 18 “[…] When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that He did to the people, He said: ‘What is this thing that Thou do to the people? Why sit Thou Thyself alone, and all the people stand about Thee from morning unto even[ing]?’ And Moses said unto His father-in-law: ‘Because the people come unto me to inquire of God; when they have a matter, it comes unto me; and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and His laws.’ And Moses’ father-in-law said unto Him: ‘The thing that Thou do is not good. Thou will surely wear away, both Thou, and this people that is with Thee; for the thing is too heavy for Thee; Thou are not able to perform it Thyself alone. ‘Hearken now unto my voice, I will give Thee counsel, and God be with Thee – be Thou for the people before God, and bring Thou the causes unto God. And Thou shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover Thou shall 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. And let them judge the people at all seasons; and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto Thee, but every small matter they shall judge themselves; so shall they make it easier for Thee and bear the burden with Thee. If Thou shall do this thing, and God command Thee so, then Thou shall be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace.’ […]”

Chapter 19 “In the third month after the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. And when they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mount. And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto Him out of the mountain, saying: ‘Thus shall thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if ye will hearken unto My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be Mine own treasure from among all peoples; for all the Earth is Mine; and ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shall speak unto the children of Israel.’ And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD commanded Him. And all the people answered together, and said: ‘All that the LORD had spoken we will do.’”