Introduction

Deuteronomy 1:9–18: The book of Deuteronomy presents Moses’s last words to the generation of Israelites who are ready to enter and occupy the Promised Land. His opening speech reviews Israel’s wilderness journey from Mount Sinai to where they are now encamped in the plains of Moab (verses 1–8). In today’s reading, Moses appoints judges to help bear the responsibility of leadership.

Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 1:16b GNT

[Moses said]: “Judge every dispute fairly, whether it concerns only your own people or involves foreigners who live among you.”

Read

9 Moses said to the people, “While we were still at Mount Sinai, I told you, ‘The responsibility for leading you is too much for me. I can’t do it alone. 10 The Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11 May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, make you increase a thousand times more and make you prosperous, as he promised! 12 But how can I alone bear the heavy responsibility for settling your disputes? 13 Choose some wise, understanding, and experienced men from each tribe, and I will put them in charge of you.’ 14 And you agreed that this was a good thing to do. 15 So I took the wise and experienced leaders you chose from your tribes, and I placed them in charge of you. Some were responsible for a thousand people, some for a hundred, some for fifty, and some for ten. I also appointed other officials throughout the tribes.

16 “At that time I instructed them, ‘Listen to the disputes that come up among your people. Judge every dispute fairly, whether it concerns only your own people or involves foreigners who live among you. 17 Show no partiality in your decisions; judge everyone on the same basis, no matter who they are. Do not be afraid of anyone, for the decisions you make come from God. If any case is too difficult for you, bring it to me, and I will decide it.’ 18 At the same time I gave you instructions for everything else you were to do.

Reflect

Moses acknowledges that leadership is a responsibility he cannot carry out alone (verse 9). How does he instruct those appointed to serve as judges (verses 16–17)? How are leadership responsibilities handled within your community of faith? How are disputes resolved?

Pray

Sovereign God, when faced with situations that involve disagreements or conflict, help me to discern your will so that matters can be resolved fairly and peacefully. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Deuteronomy 10:12–22: What God demands.