Deuteronomy 1:15

KJV

So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.

KJV (with Strong's)

So I took {H3947} the chief {H7218} of your tribes {H7626}, wise {H2450} men {H582}, and known {H3045}, and made {H5414} them heads {H7218} over you, captains {H8269} over thousands {H505}, and captains {H8269} over hundreds {H3967}, and captains {H8269} over fifties {H2572}, and captains {H8269} over tens {H6235}, and officers {H7860} among your tribes {H7626}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I took the heads of your tribes, men wise and knowledgable, and made them heads over you - leaders in charge of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers, tribe by tribe.

Berean Standard Bible

So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.

American Standard Version

So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:15 details Moses' pivotal act of establishing a delegated leadership structure among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This strategic move, born out of necessity and divine wisdom, involved appointing "wise men, and known" from each tribe to serve as captains over various units—thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens—along with general officers. This comprehensive system ensured efficient governance, equitable justice, and manageable administration for the vast multitude, laying a foundational principle for organized community life under God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:15 is situated within the opening discourse of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This first discourse ([Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43](/deuteronomy/1-6-4-43 "Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43 - Moses' First Discourse")) serves as a historical retrospective, recounting key events from their forty-year wilderness trek. Moses is not introducing a new policy but reminding the new generation of the divine wisdom and practical necessity behind the organizational structure established early in their journey. By recounting this past event, Moses reinforces the principles of obedience, order, and God's provision, preparing the people for the challenges and responsibilities of nationhood in Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific event recounted in Deuteronomy 1:15 dates back to the early days after the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelite population numbered in the millions. This immense multitude, transitioning from slavery to a nomadic, self-governing community, presented unprecedented administrative challenges. Moses, as the sole judge and leader, became overwhelmed by the constant demands for arbitration and guidance, as vividly described in [Exodus 18:13-18](/exodus/18-13-18 "Exodus 18:13-18 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"). It was Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, who observed this unsustainable burden and advised a system of delegated authority. The structure of "captains over thousands...tens" was a practical, hierarchical model, likely drawing from existing tribal or military organizational principles common in the ancient Near East, adapted to the unique needs of a large, mobile covenant community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes crucial to the Israelite narrative and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Delegated Authority**, demonstrating that even divinely appointed leaders like Moses must wisely distribute responsibilities to ensure effective governance and prevent burnout, a principle echoed in the early church's appointment of deacons in [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - Appointment of the Seven"). The emphasis on "wise men, and known" underscores the theme of **Qualified Leadership**, stressing that character, discernment, and community reputation are paramount criteria for those entrusted with authority, a standard consistently upheld throughout Scripture (e.g., [Titus 1:5-9](/titus/1-5-9 "Titus 1:5-9 - Qualifications for Elders")). Furthermore, the tiered structure of captains signifies the importance of **Order and Organization** within God's people, reflecting God's own orderly nature and His desire for His covenant community to function harmoniously and efficiently.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This term (H2450) refers to individuals possessing not merely intellectual knowledge but practical wisdom, discernment, and skill in judgment. In a biblical context, wisdom often implies a deep understanding of God's ways and the ability to apply divine principles to practical life and legal matters. Such wisdom was essential for leaders tasked with resolving disputes and guiding the community according to God's law.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word (H3045) signifies those who are "recognized," "respected," or "reputable" within the community. It implies public affirmation and trust, indicating that these leaders were not self-appointed but were individuals whose character and competence were already evident and acknowledged by their peers. This criterion ensured that those placed in authority had the confidence and respect of the people they served.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known":** This clause emphasizes Moses' active role in the selection process, though guided by Jethro's counsel and divine approval. The leaders were chosen from the existing tribal structures, indicating a respect for established social units. The criteria "wise men, and known" highlight the non-negotiable qualities of discernment, integrity, and community reputation, ensuring that leadership was based on character and proven ability rather than mere position or popularity.
* **"and made them heads over you":** This signifies the formal appointment and investiture of authority. These chosen individuals were elevated to positions of oversight and governance, indicating a transfer of responsibility from Moses to a broader leadership team. Their role was to guide, manage, and administer justice within their respective units.
* **"captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens":** This detailed enumeration describes the specific, hierarchical structure of delegated authority. This tiered system allowed for efficient administration, clear lines of accountability, and manageable units for resolving disputes. It ensured that justice and leadership were accessible at every level of the vast Israelite population, from the largest tribal divisions down to smaller, more intimate groups.
* **"and officers among your tribes":** This final phrase refers to a broader category of administrative or judicial officials, perhaps serving in various capacities beyond the military-style "captains." These "officers" likely handled general administrative duties, record-keeping, and enforcement of laws within their respective tribal jurisdictions, further solidifying the comprehensive nature of the Israelite governance system.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Numerical Progression** and **Merism** through the detailed listing of "thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens." This systematic enumeration not only conveys the precise, hierarchical structure of the newly established leadership but also emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the delegation, covering every segment of the vast Israelite population from the largest units to the smallest. This detailed listing serves to underscore the meticulous organization and the thoroughness with which Moses implemented the system. Additionally, the verse functions as a **Retrospective Narrative**, where Moses recounts a past event to instruct and remind the current generation, reinforcing the enduring principles of wise leadership and ordered community life that were foundational to their identity as God's people. The emphasis on the qualities of the leaders ("wise men, and known") also highlights the **Didactic** purpose of the passage, teaching timeless principles for selecting and empowering those in authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:15 reveals profound theological insights into God's design for His people. It demonstrates that while God is sovereign and provides ultimate leadership, He also works through human delegation and structured organization. This passage underscores the divine value placed on order, justice, and the well-being of the community, showing that practical administration is not separate from spiritual life but essential for a covenant people to flourish. The emphasis on "wise and known" leaders reflects God's desire for those in authority to possess not just competence but also character and integrity, mirroring His own righteous nature. This system ensured that the burden of leadership was shared, preventing burnout and making leadership accessible, thereby fostering a healthier and more responsive community. It highlights that effective governance, even in a divinely led nation, requires human wisdom, foresight, and the empowerment of qualified individuals.

* [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel and Moses' Implementation")
* [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - The Apostles Delegate to Deacons")
* [1 Timothy 3:1-7](/1_timothy/3-1-7 "1 Timothy 3:1-7 - Qualifications for Overseers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:15 offers timeless principles for leadership, organization, and community building that transcend the ancient Israelite context. It challenges us to consider how we identify, empower, and support leaders within our own spheres of influence, whether in families, workplaces, churches, or broader society. The passage reminds us that no single individual can or should bear every burden, emphasizing the crucial role of wise delegation for sustainability and effectiveness. It calls us to prioritize character and proven wisdom over mere charisma or popularity when entrusting others with responsibility. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of establishing clear, accessible structures that facilitate communication, resolve conflicts, and ensure that everyone within a community feels heard and served. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to seek God's wisdom in all our organizational endeavors, recognizing that order and good governance are vital for flourishing and fulfilling our collective purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify and affirm "wise and known" individuals in my own sphere of influence, whether in my family, church, or community?**
* **Where might I need to delegate responsibilities to prevent burnout and empower others, rather than trying to do everything myself?**
* **What structures or systems can I implement to bring greater order, efficiency, and accessibility to my personal life, work, or ministry?**
* **How does the character of a leader, as described in this verse, impact the well-being and trust within the community they serve?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary problem Moses faced that led to this delegation?**

Answer: The primary problem Moses faced was the overwhelming burden of personally adjudicating every dispute and administrative matter for millions of Israelites, leading to his own exhaustion and long, frustrating waits for the people seeking justice or guidance. As recorded in [Exodus 18:13-18](/exodus/18-13-18 "Exodus 18:13-18 - Jethro's Observation and Counsel"), his father-in-law Jethro observed that "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." This unsustainable situation necessitated a more distributed and efficient system of governance.

**Is this hierarchical structure still relevant today for organizations or churches?**

Answer: Yes, the principles embedded in this hierarchical structure remain highly relevant for effective organization in any large group, including modern churches, businesses, and non-profits. The concept of tiered leadership (delegating responsibilities to manageable units) ensures accessibility for those needing guidance or resolution, promotes efficient problem-solving, and provides clear lines of authority and accountability. While the specific titles and numbers may differ, the underlying wisdom of empowering qualified individuals at various levels to share the administrative and pastoral load is a timeless principle for fostering healthy, functional, and sustainable communities, reflecting the need for order and good stewardship in all human endeavors.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:15, with its emphasis on wise and delegated leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfection in Jesus Christ and His establishment of the Church. Jesus is the quintessential "wise and known" leader, the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd"), embodying perfect wisdom, integrity, and knowledge of His flock. He did not hoard authority but wisely delegated His mission, commissioning His apostles to go and make disciples of all nations, empowering them with the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Just as Moses established a structured leadership for Israel, Christ, as the [Head of the Church](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as Head of the Church"), has given gifts to His people—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to equip the saints for the work of ministry and build up the body of Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). This divine delegation ensures that the vast spiritual "multitude" of believers is shepherded, taught, and administered effectively, reflecting God's perfect order and His desire for His kingdom to advance through Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered leadership at every level.

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.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 16:18

¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

Exodus 18:25

And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Samuel 8:12

And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and [will set them] to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.

1 Samuel 17:18

And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of [their] thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

1 Samuel 22:7

Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, [and] make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;