²¹ But select capable men^(A) from all the people—men who fear^(B) God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain^(C)—and appoint them as officials^(D) over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

²⁵ He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders^(A) of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.^(B)

The Appointment of Leaders

⁹ At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a burden^(A) for me to carry alone.^{(B) 10} The Lord your God has increased^(C) your numbers^(D) so that today you are as numerous^(E) as the stars in the sky.^{(F) 11} May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase^(G) you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!^{(H) 12} But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself?^{(I) 13} Choose some wise, understanding and respected men^(J) from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

¹⁴ You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.”

¹⁵ So I took^(K) the leading men of your tribes,^(L) wise and respected men,^(M) and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders^(N) of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials.^(O)

³ Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.”^(A)