The answer is: Jethro

Ex 18:17-22 - Moses only dealt with the important cases from thereon.

Picture this scene: Moses, fresh from leading the Israelites out of Egypt, is stuck in an endless line of people seeking justice. You can almost hear the trials for burned tents and sheep disputes droning on from sunrise to sunset. Then enters Jethro, the wise father-in-law, with a little common sense. He sees Moses wearing himself down—arguably as much of a saving in effort as parting the Red Sea!

Jethro's advice to select judges isn’t just practical; it's a brilliant structure for governance. Moses institutes a system of hierarchy, where capable men were appointed to rule over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. This approach wasn’t unique to the Hebrews; it mirrors governance structures used by many contemporary societies and has been a bedrock of effective leadership models through history.

Interestingly, from Jethro's point of view, this was also a nod to the need for community cooperation—a powerful principle highlighted throughout the biblical narrative. Participating as a collective, rubbing shoulders in everyday matters, became crucial for Israelites who were, at their core, building a new identity in the wilderness. This decision by Moses reflects a pivotal moment in continuing a more judicial rather than autocratic approach, hinting at values like shared leadership and democratic elements that can resonate even today. Jethro didn’t just lighten Moses’s load; he established a legacy of collaborative governance that's influenced leaders ever since.