Deuteronomy 1:16

KJV

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I charged {H6680} your judges {H8199} at that time {H6256}, saying {H559}, Hear {H8085} the causes between your brethren {H251}, and judge {H8199} righteously {H6664} between every man {H376} and his brother {H251}, and the stranger {H1616} that is with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time I commissioned your judges, 'Hear the cases that arise between your brothers; and judge fairly between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is with him.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.

American Standard Version

And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the sojourner that is with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:16 records Moses' solemn charge to the newly appointed judges of Israel, laying down foundational principles for the administration of justice as the nation prepared to enter the Promised Land. This verse underscores the divine imperative for impartiality, righteousness, and comprehensive equity, extending the protective arm of the law not only to native Israelites but also, remarkably, to the resident alien among them, thereby establishing a legal framework rooted in God's own just and compassionate character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:16 is situated within Moses' opening address to the new generation of Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. This chapter serves as a historical prologue, recounting the journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai) and the pivotal events that shaped Israel's identity and governance. Specifically, Moses recalls the immense burden of judging every dispute among the vast multitude of people and the subsequent delegation of authority by appointing capable leaders to serve as judges. This verse details the precise charge given to these men, emphasizing their responsibilities in administering justice fairly. It is part of Moses' sermonic appeal, reminding the people of God's past provisions and their ongoing obligations under the covenant, setting the stage for the detailed laws that follow in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, Israel stood on the cusp of transitioning from a nomadic wilderness community to a settled nation in the Promised Land. Such a transition necessitated a robust and organized judicial system to maintain order, resolve disputes, and ensure societal cohesion. In the ancient Near East, legal systems often exhibited class distinctions, with different standards of justice applied to various social strata. However, God's law, as articulated through Moses, introduced a radical concept of equal justice for all, including the vulnerable "stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_). This provision was revolutionary, reflecting a divine concern that transcended ethnic or social boundaries and stood in stark contrast to the prevailing norms of the time, where foreigners often lacked legal recourse or protection.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:16 encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that human justice must mirror God's own perfect character. The command to "judge righteously" implies decisions based on truth, equity, and adherence to God's moral standards, not personal bias or gain. Closely related is the theme of **Impartiality**, as judges were commanded to "Hear the causes between your brethren" without favoritism, ensuring all parties received a fair hearing. Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of "the stranger that is with him" highlights God's profound concern for the **Vulnerable and Marginalized**. This theme of caring for the non-native resident is reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the expansive and compassionate nature of God's covenant law, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Stranger") where Israel is commanded to love the stranger because they themselves were strangers in Egypt. This verse also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Delegated Authority**, showing the practical organization necessary for a large community to function under God's law while maintaining fidelity to divine principles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charged (Hebrew, _tsavah_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative command or instruction, often with legal or military connotations. When Moses "charged" the judges, it was not merely a suggestion but a divinely ordained mandate, emphasizing the serious and binding nature of their judicial responsibilities. It highlights that their authority derived from God through Moses.
* **Righteously (Hebrew, _tsedeq_):** This foundational Hebrew term denotes conformity to an ethical or moral standard, particularly God's standard of justice and righteousness. It goes beyond mere legal correctness to encompass moral integrity, fairness, and equity. To "judge righteously" means to render decisions that are just, true, and aligned with God's character and covenant demands, ensuring that justice is not perverted.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _ger_):** Refers to a resident alien or sojourner, a non-Israelite who had settled among the community. Unlike a passing traveler, the _ger_ had taken up residence and was often vulnerable, lacking tribal land, family support, or full legal standing in many ancient societies. The explicit inclusion of the _ger_ in the judicial mandate underscores the radical inclusivity and humanitarian concern embedded within God's law for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses' direct and authoritative role in instituting the judicial system. The command to "hear the causes" emphasizes the critical first step in justice: diligent, unbiased listening. Judges were to give full attention to both sides of a dispute among fellow Israelites, ensuring that no party was dismissed or unheard, reflecting a commitment to thoroughness and impartiality from the outset.
* **"and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother,"**: This is the core mandate for the judges concerning disputes among Israelites. It demands not just a verdict, but a "righteous" one—a judgment that is morally upright, equitable, and consistent with God's revealed law. This principle ensures that justice is administered fairly, without favoritism, corruption, or prejudice, upholding the integrity of the community's legal system.
* **"and the stranger [that is] with him."**: This crucial addition expands the scope of justice beyond the covenant community of Israel. It commands that the same standard of righteous judgment applied to Israelites must also be extended to the resident alien. This provision was revolutionary for its time, demonstrating God's universal concern for all humanity and mandating Israel to be a society where even the most vulnerable non-native residents received fair and equal treatment under the law.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:16 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The **Didactic Tone** is prominent, characteristic of Moses' sermonic style throughout Deuteronomy, aiming to instruct and impress upon the people the gravity of these laws. The use of **Direct Address** ("your judges," "your brethren") creates a personal and immediate connection, emphasizing the direct responsibility placed upon the community. There is an element of **Repetition** and **Expansion** in the phrasing "between your brethren" and "between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him." This rhetorical technique first establishes the internal community focus and then deliberately expands it to include the _ger_, highlighting the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's justice. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language** ("charged," "judges," "hear causes," "judge righteously") which firmly situates this instruction within a formal governmental and judicial context, underscoring the practical implementation of divine principles in daily life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:16 profoundly reveals God's character as the ultimate righteous Judge, who desires His people to reflect His attributes in their societal structures. The command for impartial and righteous judgment is not merely a legalistic requirement but a call to embody God's covenant faithfulness. It teaches that true justice flows from a divine source, demanding that human systems of law and governance mirror the moral perfection of their Creator. The radical inclusion of the "stranger" demonstrates God's expansive love and concern for all humanity, transcending ethnic and national boundaries, and challenging His people to extend compassion and equity even to those outside their immediate community. This principle forms a cornerstone of biblical ethics, emphasizing that how a society treats its most vulnerable is a direct reflection of its adherence to divine standards.

* [Exodus 23:6](/exodus/23-6 "Exodus 23:6 - Do Not Pervert Justice for the Poor")
* [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartiality in Judgment")
* [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18-19 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Stranger, Orphan, and Widow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:16 offers timeless principles that resonate deeply with contemporary challenges in leadership, conflict resolution, and societal ethics. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that justice is not merely a secular concept but a divine mandate, rooted in the very character of God. We are called to approach disagreements and disputes with a commitment to impartial listening, seeking truth above personal bias or favoritism. In our personal interactions, professional dealings, and civic engagement, we are to strive for righteousness and fairness, reflecting God's integrity. Crucially, the verse compels us to advocate for and protect the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those who may lack a voice in our communities, just as God commanded Israel to care for the stranger. It also highlights the importance of wise delegation of authority and equipping others to carry out responsibilities justly, a principle applicable in families, churches, organizations, and governments, ensuring that God's standards of equity are upheld in every sphere of influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the command to "hear the causes" and "judge righteously" challenge our natural inclinations toward bias or favoritism in our daily interactions and decision-making?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals or communities, extend justice and compassionate care to "the stranger" or the marginalized in our contemporary society, reflecting God's expansive concern?**
* **What responsibilities do we have to ensure that the systems and structures around us, whether in our workplaces, churches, or broader society, reflect God's principles of equity and impartiality?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of appointing judges at this specific time?**

Answer: The appointment of judges, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses' First Speech"), was critically significant because Israel was transitioning from a nomadic existence in the wilderness to a settled life as a nation in the Promised Land. A large and diverse population required an organized and efficient system of governance to maintain order, resolve disputes, and administer God's laws effectively. Moses, burdened by the immense task of judging every case himself, had previously received counsel from his father-in-law Jethro in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses") to delegate this authority. This moment in Deuteronomy reiterates and formalizes that delegation, underscoring the practical necessity of a robust judicial framework for the nascent nation's stability and faithfulness to the covenant.

**How does this verse relate to other ancient Near Eastern legal codes?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 1:16, like other parts of the Mosaic Law, stands out in stark contrast to many ancient Near Eastern legal codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Middle Assyrian Laws). While these codes often prescribed different penalties or standards of justice based on social class or status, God's law for Israel emphasized a radical principle of equal justice for all, including the vulnerable "stranger" (_ger_). The explicit command to "judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him" demonstrates a unique divine concern for impartiality and the protection of the marginalized, rooted in God's own character and Israel's past experience as strangers in Egypt. This ethical distinctiveness elevated Israel's legal system beyond mere social order to a reflection of divine righteousness.

**Does "judge righteously" imply a specific legal process, or a broader ethical standard?**

Answer: The phrase "judge righteously" (Hebrew: _shaphat tsedeq_) implies both a specific legal process and a broader ethical standard. On one hand, it demands adherence to the specific laws and statutes given by God through Moses, ensuring that verdicts are legally sound according to divine revelation. On the other hand, _tsedeq_ (righteousness) encompasses a moral uprightness, integrity, and fairness that transcends mere legalistic application. It calls judges to exercise discernment, wisdom, and impartiality, ensuring that justice is administered with equity and compassion, reflecting God's own character. Therefore, it's not just about following rules but about embodying a just and moral disposition in the application of those rules, ensuring that the spirit of the law is upheld alongside its letter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:16, with its profound emphasis on righteous and impartial judgment, particularly for the vulnerable, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect and ultimate Judge, whose very nature is righteousness and justice, as prophesied in [Isaiah 11:3-4](/isaiah/11-3-4 "Isaiah 11:3-4 - The Righteous Reign of the Messiah"). Unlike human judges who are prone to error or bias, Jesus embodies perfect equity, hearing every cause with divine wisdom and rendering judgments that are always true and just. His earthly ministry consistently demonstrated a radical concern for "the stranger," the marginalized, the outcast, and the vulnerable, fulfilling the spirit of the Deuteronomic law. From His parables, such as the [Good Samaritan](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), which redefined "neighbor" to include the despised, to His direct interactions with the sick, the poor, and the ostracized, Jesus exemplified the compassionate justice God always intended. Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, goes beyond external legal codes to write God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to live out these principles of justice and righteousness in a fallen world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of His kingdom, reflecting His impartial love and advocating for justice, knowing that one day He will return to judge the living and the dead with perfect righteousness ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")).

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

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

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.

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

Exodus 22:21

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 19:6

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who [is] with you in the judgment.

2 Chronicles 19:10

And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and [so] wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.

Exodus 23:7

Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.