Deuteronomy 1:14

KJV

And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken [is] good [for us] to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye answered {H6030} me, and said {H559}, The thing {H1697} which thou hast spoken {H1696} is good {H2896} for us to do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You answered me, 'What you have said would be a good thing for us to do.'

Berean Standard Bible

And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”

American Standard Version

And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:14 captures the pivotal moment when the Israelite community, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, enthusiastically affirmed Moses' wise proposal for establishing a system of delegated judicial authority. This verse, embedded within Moses' retrospective address, highlights the people's unanimous consent and commitment to implementing a structure designed to ensure accessible justice and shared governance, thereby alleviating Moses' overwhelming burden and promoting communal order and well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:14 is situated within Moses' grand opening address to the new generation of Israelites assembled on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This address serves as a comprehensive review of their forty-year wilderness journey, reiterating God's covenant laws and significant historical events. Specifically, this verse refers back to an early period at Mount Horeb (Sinai), where Moses, overwhelmed by the immense burden of judging every dispute for the rapidly growing nation, proposed a system of delegated leadership. This proposal, detailed in [Deuteronomy 1:9-13](/deuteronomy/1-9 "Deuteronomy 1:9-13 - Moses' Burden and Proposal for Judges"), involved appointing wise and understanding men as captains over various sized groups. The people's affirmative response in verse 14 signifies their acceptance of this crucial administrative restructuring, which was initially suggested by Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, as recorded in [Exodus 18:17-26](/exodus/18-17 "Exodus 18:17-26 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in their history, the Israelites were a vast multitude, a nascent nation of perhaps millions, transitioning from a nomadic existence to preparing for settled life in Canaan. Such a large, mobile population necessitated a highly organized and efficient system for maintaining order and dispensing justice. Moses, as the sole arbiter of disputes, faced an unsustainable burden, leading to delays and potential injustice. The establishment of lower courts and delegated judges was a practical necessity, reflecting a common practice in ancient Near Eastern societies to manage large populations, though here it was divinely sanctioned and integrated into Israel's unique theocratic structure. The plains of Moab served as a crucial staging ground, a place of reflection and preparation, where the lessons of the past were solidified for the challenges of the future. The people's "answer" reflects a communal decision-making process, albeit within the framework of Moses' divinely appointed leadership.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Communal Consent and Agreement**, demonstrating the people's willing acceptance of Moses' plan, which was crucial for the success and legitimacy of the new judicial system. Their declaration, "The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do," underscores a moment of shared understanding and approval, vital for any communal endeavor. Secondly, it emphasizes **Wisdom in Leadership**, as Moses' proposal, and the people's agreement to it, illustrates the importance of a well-structured and wise leadership system for the well-being of the entire community. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the principle of **Delegation and Shared Responsibility**, acknowledging that no single individual, not even Moses, could bear the entire burden alone. This distribution of responsibilities is a foundational principle for effective governance and management. Finally, it speaks to the overarching theme of **Order and Justice**, as the establishment of these lower courts was intended to bring accessible and efficient justice to the Israelite camp, ensuring that all disputes could be heard and resolved fairly, reflecting God's desire for righteousness within His people, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ'_):** This foundational Hebrew word signifies much more than mere agreeableness or pleasantness. It denotes something that is inherently right, beneficial, proper, and pleasing, often in a divine sense. As used in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") to describe creation, _ṭôḇ_ implies perfection, suitability, and alignment with God's design. When the people declare Moses' proposal as "good," they are affirming its practical wisdom, its moral rectitude, and its profound benefit for their communal well-being and the establishment of divine order among them.
* **Answered (Hebrew, _ʿānāh'_):** The verb _ʿānāh_ implies more than a simple reply; it suggests a responsive affirmation, an active engagement with and taking up of the proposal. It indicates that the people did not merely hear Moses' words but actively considered and agreed to them. This was a public and collective response, signifying their readiness to participate in the proposed system.
* **Do (Hebrew, _ʿāśāh'_):** The inclusion of "to do" (from the verb _ʿāśāh_) emphasizes the people's active participation and commitment to the implementation of the plan. Their affirmation was not passive assent but a declaration of readiness to act upon Moses' words, highlighting their responsibility in making the delegated leadership system a functional reality. It underscores a practical, rather than merely theoretical, acceptance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye answered me, and said":** This phrase highlights the collective voice and direct communication between the people and Moses. It signifies a formal, public response, indicating that the community, through its representatives, engaged with Moses' proposal and rendered a verdict. This was a moment of communal consensus, crucial for the legitimacy and acceptance of the new system.
* **"The thing which thou hast spoken":** This refers specifically to Moses' detailed proposition for appointing judges and officers, as outlined in the preceding verses ([Deuteronomy 1:9-13](/deuteronomy/1-9 "Deuteronomy 1:9-13 - Moses' Delegation of Authority")). It acknowledges Moses' authority as God's mediator and the clarity of his instructions, indicating that the people fully understood what they were agreeing to.
* **"[is] good [for us] to do":** This is the core of the people's affirmation. The Hebrew word _ṭôḇ_ (good) conveys not just pleasantness but inherent rightness, suitability, and benefit. The crucial addition "for us to do" emphasizes their active participation and commitment to the practical implementation of this wise system. It signifies their recognition of its communal advantage and their readiness to bear their part in its success, demonstrating a mature understanding of shared responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:14 effectively employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting the people's exact words ("The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do"). This literary choice lends immediacy and authenticity to the narrative, allowing the reader to "hear" the unanimous and enthusiastic affirmation of the Israelite community. This direct quotation underscores the significance of their consent and active participation in the establishment of the judicial system. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Conciseness**, delivering a powerful and unified sentiment in a remarkably brief statement. This brevity emphasizes the clarity of Moses' proposal and the immediate, unambiguous nature of the people's positive response, highlighting the strong consensus achieved. While not a direct **Repetition**, the account in Deuteronomy serves as a **Retelling** or **Echo** of the earlier narrative in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"), reinforcing the enduring wisdom and communal acceptance of this practical administrative solution across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:14 profoundly underscores a crucial theological principle: while God sovereignly institutes leadership and provides divine law, human cooperation and communal consent are vital for the successful implementation of divine order within a community. The people's enthusiastic affirmation of Moses' "good" proposal reflects a mature understanding of their collective responsibility and the inherent wisdom of delegated authority. It demonstrates that effective governance, even in a theocracy, involves both divine mandate and communal buy-in, fostering unity and shared purpose in pursuing justice and well-being. This principle of shared responsibility and the search for "good" governance resonates throughout biblical wisdom literature and New Testament teachings on church order, emphasizing that the flourishing of God's people often depends on their willing participation in structures designed for their benefit.

* [Exodus 18:17-26](/exodus/18-17 "Exodus 18:17-26 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses")
* [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1-7 - The Appointment of the Seven Deacons")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:14 offers profound and timeless principles applicable to any contemporary community, whether a family, church, or organization. It reminds us that wise leadership involves not only the ability to discern and propose beneficial structures but also the humility to share burdens and empower others. The people's ready assent teaches the power of unity and collective ownership in pursuing a common good. When individuals willingly embrace their roles within a well-ordered system, it fosters efficiency, reduces burnout for leaders, and ensures that justice and care are accessible to all. This verse challenges us to consider how we can better support our leaders, embrace shared responsibilities, and work together to establish systems that promote fairness, order, and flourishing within our own spheres of influence. It calls us to move beyond passive agreement to active participation in making "good" things happen for the benefit of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our community (family, church, workplace) currently share burdens and responsibilities? Are there areas where delegation could improve efficiency and well-being?**
* **In what ways can we, as members of a community, better affirm and support wise proposals from our leaders, fostering unity and shared purpose?**
* **What does it mean for something to be "good for us to do" in our current context, and how can we actively participate in implementing such beneficial practices?**

### FAQ
**Why is the people's response in Deuteronomy 1:14 significant?**

Answer: The people's response is highly significant because it demonstrates their active and willing participation in the establishment of a crucial governance structure for the nascent nation. It wasn't merely a top-down mandate from Moses or God, but a communal affirmation that validated the proposed system of delegated leadership. This consent was vital for the successful implementation and acceptance of the judicial system, fostering unity and shared ownership. It underscores the principle that even divinely inspired leadership benefits from the buy-in and cooperation of the community it serves, ensuring that the "good" proposal is indeed "good for us to do."

**How does this account in Deuteronomy relate to the earlier narrative in Exodus concerning Jethro's counsel?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 1:14, along with the preceding verses in [Deuteronomy 1:9-13](/deuteronomy/1-9 "Deuteronomy 1:9-13 - Moses' Burden and Proposal"), serves as Moses' retrospective account of events that originally transpired much earlier in the wilderness journey. The initial suggestion for delegating judicial authority came from Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, as recorded in [Exodus 18:17-26](/exodus/18-17 "Exodus 18:17-26 - Jethro's Wise Counsel to Moses"). Moses, in Deuteronomy, is recounting this foundational moment to a new generation, emphasizing that the system was not only divinely approved but also enthusiastically embraced by their ancestors. This reiteration highlights the enduring wisdom and communal acceptance of this administrative structure, reinforcing its importance for the new generation about to enter the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 1:14 speaks to the practical wisdom of delegated authority and communal consent in the Old Covenant, it subtly points towards the ultimate fulfillment of perfect leadership and unified communal action found in Christ. Moses, as the burdened leader seeking to alleviate his load and ensure justice for his people, foreshadows the need for a greater Shepherd who can bear the burdens of all humanity. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly embodies the "good" that the people affirmed; for His entire life, ministry, and sacrificial death were "good" in the ultimate, redemptive sense, bringing salvation, order, and reconciliation to a chaotic and fallen world. His establishment of the Church, with its diverse gifts and leadership structures (as seen in [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Edification") and [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")), reflects a divine delegation of authority, not out of weakness, but out of a desire for His body to function in unity, strength, and mutual edification. Just as the Israelites consented to a system for their well-being, believers are called to willingly submit to Christ's headship and participate in the [building up of His body](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love"), the Church, where every member plays a vital role in extending His kingdom and embodying His "good" purposes on earth. This communal consent to Christ's reign and the shared responsibility within His body echoes the wisdom of Deuteronomy 1:14, finding its perfect and eternal expression in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.