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16 At that time I instructed your judges, “Listen to the disputes among your brethren and judge them justly, whether between a man and his fellow countryman or even the foreigner who is with him.[a] 17 Do not show partiality in judging; listen to both the lowly and the great. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case that is too difficult for you and I will hear it.” 18 At that time I instructed you concerning everything that you were to do.

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 1:16 A foreigner can have a permanent residence among the Israelites; he is free but cannot possess property; his situation is precarious, but there are many laws that protect him. The Israelite view of foreigners is already a positive step in the direction of universalism.

16 And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge(A) fairly,(B) whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you.(C) 17 Do not show partiality(D) in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone,(E) for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”(F) 18 And at that time I told you everything you were to do.(G)

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