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15 So I chose[a] as your tribal leaders wise and well-known men, placing them over you as administrators of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and also as other tribal officials. 16 I furthermore admonished your judges at that time that they[b] should pay attention to issues among your fellow citizens[c] and judge fairly,[d] whether between one person and a native Israelite[e] or a resident foreigner.[f] 17 They[g] must not discriminate in judgment, but hear the lowly[h] and the great alike. Nor should they be intimidated by human beings, for judgment belongs to God. If the matter being adjudicated is too difficult for them, they should bring it before me for a hearing.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 1:15 tn Or “selected”; Heb “took.”
  2. Deuteronomy 1:16 tn Or “you.” A number of English versions treat the remainder of this verse and v. 17 as direct discourse rather than indirect discourse (cf. KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV, NLT).
  3. Deuteronomy 1:16 tn Heb “brothers.” The term “brothers” could, in English, be understood to refer to siblings, so “fellow citizens” has been used in the translation.
  4. Deuteronomy 1:16 tn The Hebrew word צֶדֶק (tsedeq, “fairly”) carries the basic idea of conformity to a norm of expected behavior or character, one established by God himself. Fair judgment adheres strictly to that norm or standard (see D. Reimer, NIDOTTE 3:750).
  5. Deuteronomy 1:16 tn Heb “between a man and his brother.” The first use of “brother” in this verse refers broadly to fellow citizens. This second use is narrower, being in opposition to the “resident foreigner.” The גֵּר (ger) “resident foreigner” was not simply a foreigner (Hebrew נֵכָר; nekar) but was essentially a naturalized citizen and had equal protection under the law. This is one of the verses designed to ensure that equal treatment (see also Deut 10:16-19; 16:18-20; Exod 12:49; Num 15:16, 29).
  6. Deuteronomy 1:16 sn On the Hebrew ger (גֵּר) “resident foreigner,” see notes at Exod 12:19 and Deut 29:11.
  7. Deuteronomy 1:17 tn Heb “you,” and throughout the verse (cf. NASB, NRSV).
  8. Deuteronomy 1:17 tn Heb “the small,” but referring to social status, not physical stature.

15 So I took(A) the leading men of your tribes,(B) wise and respected men,(C) and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders(D) of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials.(E) 16 And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge(F) fairly,(G) whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you.(H) 17 Do not show partiality(I) in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone,(J) for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”(K)

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