Deuteronomy 1:9-18

The Appointment of Leaders 9At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. 10The LORD your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised! 12But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself?

13Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

14You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.” 15So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. 17Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”

18And at that time I told you everything you were to do.