Deuteronomy 1:16

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 1:16 captures a crucial instruction given by Moses to the newly appointed judges of Israel. This verse underscores the foundational principles of justice and equity that were to govern the nascent nation as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' recounting of Israel's journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai) and the events that led to the establishment of a formal judicial system. Faced with the immense burden of judging every dispute among millions of people, Moses, upon the advice of his father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 18:21-26), delegated authority by appointing capable leaders to serve as judges. Deuteronomy 1:16 specifically details the charge given to these men, emphasizing their responsibilities in administering justice fairly among the tribes of Israel and all who dwelt among them. This moment highlights the practical organization necessary for a large community to function under God's law.

Key Themes

  • Impartial Justice: The command to "Hear the causes between your brethren" emphasizes the necessity of listening to all sides of a dispute without bias. Judges were not to show favoritism but to approach each case with an open and discerning mind, ensuring fairness for all.
  • Righteous Judgment: "Judge righteously" is a core mandate. This goes beyond mere legal correctness to encompass moral uprightness and adherence to God's standards of justice. It implies decisions based on truth and equity, reflecting God's own character.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: The explicit inclusion of "the stranger that is with him" is profoundly significant. In ancient societies, foreigners often lacked legal protection. God's law, however, commanded Israel to extend the same justice and protection to resident aliens as to native-born Israelites. This theme of caring for the marginalized is reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, underscoring the compassionate nature of God's law. Deuteronomy 10:19 further commands, "Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "judge righteously" (tzedek) signifies a judgment that aligns with divine standards of right and wrong, ensuring fairness and equity for all parties involved. The term "stranger" (Hebrew: ger) refers to a resident alien, a non-Israelite who had settled among the community. The law's provision for the ger demonstrates God's expansive concern for all people, not just His covenant people.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 1:16 offers timeless principles for leadership, dispute resolution, and societal ethics. For believers today, it serves as a reminder:

  • To approach disagreements with a desire to hear all perspectives and seek truth, rather than taking sides prematurely.
  • To strive for righteousness and fairness in all personal and professional dealings, reflecting God's character.
  • 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.
  • The verse also highlights the importance of delegating authority wisely and equipping others to carry out responsibilities justly, a principle applicable in families, churches, and organizations.
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Cross-References

  • John 7:24 (5 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 16:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 19:6 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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