Deuteronomy 1:16

At the same time I gave strict instructions to your judges: “Hear the cases brought between your brothers, and make sure you are fair when you judge between a man and his brother or a foreigner living among you.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him.

In Context

15So I summoned your tribal leaders, men with good judgment, and put them in charge of you, as commanders and officials for your tribes. Some were responsible for thousands, some for hundreds, some for fifties, and some for tens.

17Don't show any favoritism when you judge—treat the powerful and the common people just the same. Don't let anyone intimidate you, because judgment is done on God's behalf. Bring me any case that is too hard for you, and I will hear it.”

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Cross References

Exodus 23:2Don't follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give evidence in a lawsuit, don't corrupt justice by siding with the majority.

Leviticus 19:15Don't be a corrupt judge. Don't show favoritism to the poor or to the rich. Judge others fairly.

Numbers 27:19Make him stand in front of Eleazar the priest and all the Israelites, and dedicate him while they watch.

Deuteronomy 16:18Choose judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town that the Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly.

Deuteronomy 27:11That day Moses gave these orders to the people:

2 Samuel 23:3Israel's God spoke; Israel's Rock told me, ‘He who rules the people justly, he who rules respecting God,

Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 1:10-19

The Charge to Magistrates. ( b. c. 1451.) 9 And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone: 10 The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. 11 (The Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!) 12 How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? 13 Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I… Read the whole commentary →

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