Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Common English Bible

⁹ At that same time, I told you: I can’t handle all of you by myself. ¹⁰ The Lord your God has multiplied your number—you are now as countless as the stars in the sky. ¹¹ May the Lord, your ancestors’ God, continue to multiply you—a thousand times more! And may God bless you, just as he promised. ¹² But how can I handle all your troubles, burdens, and disputes by myself? ¹³ Now, for each of your tribes, choose wise, discerning, and well-regarded individuals. I will appoint them as your leaders.

¹⁴ You answered me: “What you have proposed is a good idea.”

¹⁵ So I took leading individuals from your tribes, people who were wise and well-regarded, and I set them up as your leaders. There were commanders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, as well as officials for each of your tribes.

¹⁶ At that same time, I commanded your judges: Listen to your fellow tribe members and judge fairly, whether the dispute is between one fellow tribe member or between a tribe member and an immigrant. ¹⁷ Don’t show favoritism in a decision. Hear both sides out, whether the person is important or not. Don’t be afraid of anyone because the ruling belongs to God. Any dispute that is too difficult for you to decide, bring to me and I will take care of it.

¹⁸ So at that time, I commanded you concerning everything you were to do.