Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Living Bible

⁹ “At that time I told the people, ‘I need help! You are a great burden for me to carry all by myself, ¹⁰ for the Lord has multiplied you to become as many as the stars! ¹¹ And may he multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as he promised, ¹² but what can one man do to settle all your quarrels and problems? ¹³ So choose some men from each tribe who are wise, experienced, and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.’

¹⁴ “They agreed to this; ¹⁵ I took the men they selected, some from every tribe, and appointed them as administrative assistants in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to decide their quarrels and assist them in every way. ¹⁶ I instructed them to be perfectly fair at all times, even to foreigners. ¹⁷ ‘When giving your decisions,’ I told them, ‘never favor a man because he is rich; be fair to great and small alike. Don’t fear their displeasure, for you are judging in the place of God. Bring me any cases too difficult for you, and I will handle them.’ ¹⁸ And I gave them other instructions at that time also.