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Commentary on Deuteronomy 1 verses 9–18
Moses here reminds them of the happy constitution of their government, which was such as might make them all safe and easy if it was not their own fault. When good laws were given them good men were entrusted with the execution of them, which, as it was an instance of God's goodness to them, so it was of the care of Moses concerning them; and, it should seem, he mentions it here to recommend himself to them as a man that sincerely sought their welfare, and so to make way for what he was about to say to them, wherein he aimed at nothing but their good. In this part of his narrative he insinuates to them,
I. That he greatly rejoiced in the increase of their numbers. He owns the accomplishment of God's promise to Abraham (Deu 1:10): You are as the stars of heaven for multitude; and prays for the further accomplishment of it (Deu 1:11): God make you a thousand times more. This prayer comes in in a parenthesis, and a good prayer prudently put in cannot be impertinent in any discourse of divine things, nor will a pious ejaculation break the coherence, but rather strengthen and adorn it. But how greatly are his desires enlarged when he prays that they might be made a thousand times more than they were! We are not straitened in the power and goodness of God, why should we be straitened in our own faith and hope, which ought to be as large as the promise? larger they need not be. It is from the promise that Moses here takes the measures of his prayer: The Lord bless you as he hath promised you. And why might he not hope that they might become a thousand times more than they were now when they were now ten thousand times more than they were when they went down into Egypt, about 250 years ago? Observe, When they were under the government of Pharaoh the increase of their numbers was envied, and complained of as a grievance (Exo 1:9); but now, under the government of Moses, it was rejoiced in, and prayed for as a blessing. The consideration of this might give them occasion to reflect with shame upon their own folly when they had talked of making a captain and returning to Egypt.
II. That he was not ambitious of monopolizing the honour of the government, and ruling them himself alone, as an absolute monarch, Deu 1:9. Though he was a man as well worthy of that honour, and as well qualified for the business, as ever any man was, yet he was desirous that others might be taken in as assistants to him in the business and consequently sharers with him in the honour: I cannot myself alone bear the burden, Deu 1:12. Magistracy is a burden. Moses himself, though eminently gifted for it, found it lay heavily on his shoulders; nay, the best magistrates complain most of the burden, and are most desirous of help, and most afraid of undertaking more than they can perform.
III. That he was not desirous to prefer his own creatures, or such as should underhand have a dependence upon him; for he leaves it to the people to choose their own judges, to whom he would grant commissions, not durant bene placito - to be turned out when he pleased; but quam diu se bene gesserint - to continue so long as they approved themselves faithful. Take you wise men, that are known to be so among your tribes, and I will make them rulers, Deu 1:13. Thus the apostles directed the multitude to choose overseers of the poor, and then they ordained them,. Act 6:3, Act 6:6. He directs them to take wise men and understanding, whose personal merit would recommend them. The rise and origin of this nation were so late that none of them could pretend to antiquity of race, and nobility of birth, above their brethren; and, having all lately come out of slavery in Egypt, it is probable that one family was not much richer than another; so that their choice must be directed purely by the qualifications of wisdom, experience, and integrity. "Choose those," says Moses, "whose praise is in your tribes, and with all my heart I will make them rulers." We must not grudge that God's work be done by other hands than ours, provided it be done by good hands.
IV. That he was in this matter very willing to please the people; and, though he did not in any thing aim at their applause, yet in a thing of this nature he would not act without their approbation. And they agreed to the proposal: The thing which thou hast spoken is good, Deu 1:14. This he mentions to aggravate the sin of their mutinies and discontents after this, that the government they quarrelled with was what they themselves had consented to; Moses would have pleased them if they would have been pleased.
V. That he aimed to edify them as well as to gratify them; for,
1.He appointed men of good characters (Deu 1:15), wise men and men known, men that would be faithful to their trust and to the public interest.
2.He gave them a good charge, Deu 1:16, Deu 1:17. Those that are advanced to honour must know that they are charged with business, and must give account another day of their charge. (1.) He charges them to be diligent and patient: Hear the causes. Hear both sides, hear them fully, hear them carefully; for nature has provided us with two ears, and he that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame to him. The ear of the learner is necessary to the tongue of the learned, Isa 50:4. (2.) To be just and impartial: Judge righteously. Judgment must be given according to the merits of the cause, without regard to the quality of the parties. The natives must not be suffered to abuse the strangers any more that the strangers to insult the natives or to encroach upon them; the great must not be suffered to oppress the small, nor to crush them, any more than the small, to rob the great, or to affront them. No faces must be known in judgment, but unbribed unbiased equity must always pass sentence. (3.) To be resolute and courageous: "You shall not be afraid of the face of man; be not overawed to do an ill thing, either by the clamours of the crowd or by the menaces of those that have power in their hands." And he gave them a good reason to enforce this charge: "For the judgment is God's. You are God's viceregents, you act for him, and therefore must act like him; you are his representatives, but if you judge unrighteously, you misrepresent him. The judgment is his, and therefore he will protect you in doing right, and will certainly call you to account if you do wrong."
3.He allowed them to bring all difficult cases to him, and he would always be ready to hear and determine, and to make both the judges and the people easy. Happy art thou. O Israel! in such praise as Moses was.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:18 serves as Moses' authoritative recapitulation to the new generation of Israelites, reminding them of the comprehensive divine instructions given "at that time" concerning their conduct and the establishment of a just societal order. Situated within Moses' opening address on the plains of Moab, this verse underscores the foundational importance of God's commands for the covenant community, emphasizing that His will encompasses all aspects of their lives and requires active obedience for their flourishing as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Deuteronomy 1:18 is situated within the opening address of Moses, serving as a powerful retrospective on Israel's journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab. Specifically, verses 9-18 detail Moses' account of establishing a comprehensive judicial system, a necessary measure due to the overwhelming burden of judging every dispute among the vast Israelite population. This delegation of authority, initially prompted by Jethro's counsel in Exodus 18, highlights the practical implementation of divine law and the establishment of an orderly system of justice within the nascent nation. Moses' command in verse 18 acts as a summary statement, affirming that the entire framework of their societal and spiritual life was divinely ordained and comprehensively communicated. This sets the stage for the subsequent detailed restatement of the Law throughout the book, emphasizing that the principles of governance and obedience were established early in their journey, forming the bedrock for their life in the land.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Israelites stood on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, forty years after their exodus from Egypt and the initial giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Horeb). This new generation, many of whom had not personally experienced the awe-inspiring events at Sinai, needed to be re-educated and recommitted to the covenant. The phrase "at that time" specifically refers to the period shortly after Sinai, when the sheer volume of legal disputes necessitated a more structured judicial system, as described in Deuteronomy 1:9-17. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, relied heavily on oral transmission and the authority of their leaders for the maintenance of social order and the administration of justice. The concept of a comprehensive law, covering civil, moral, and religious spheres, was central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. Geographically, being on the plains of Moab meant they were in a transitional space, physically and spiritually preparing for a new phase of their national existence in Canaan.
Key Themes: Deuteronomy 1:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Authority and Comprehensive Law, demonstrating that God's commands are not piecemeal but provide a holistic framework for life, encompassing everything the people "should do." This comprehensive guidance is foundational for their success and well-being in the land, as reiterated throughout the book (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:1-3). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of Leadership and Delegation, as Moses, the primary mediator of God's law, establishes a system of delegated authority to ensure justice and order within the community, echoing the wisdom found in Exodus 18:13-27. Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, it highlights the theme of Obedience and Responsibility. The phrase "all the things which ye should do" is an implicit call to active obedience, emphasizing that the Israelites were not merely passive recipients of instruction but active participants responsible for implementing God's will. This active "doing" is presented throughout Deuteronomy as the pathway to blessing and covenant faithfulness, as powerfully articulated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:18 effectively employs Retrospection, as Moses looks back to a foundational moment in Israel's history to remind the new generation of the origins of their legal and administrative structures. This backward glance serves to legitimize the comprehensive nature of the law he is about to restate and to impress upon them the continuity of God's covenant demands. There is also a strong element of Emphasis through the phrase "all the things which ye should do," highlighting the totality and pervasive reach of God's commands. This emphasis sets the tone for the entire book of Deuteronomy, which is essentially a detailed exposition of these "things," demonstrating that God's will is comprehensive and applies to every sphere of life. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise Summary Statement, encapsulating the essence of Moses' earlier actions in establishing order and conveying divine directives, preparing the audience for the detailed review of the Law that follows. The use of "I commanded" also reinforces Moses' Authority as the divinely appointed leader and mediator, underscoring the binding nature of his words.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:18 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God as a God of order, justice, and comprehensive revelation. It establishes that divine commands are not arbitrary but are given for the well-being and flourishing of His covenant people, covering every aspect of their lives. The delegation of authority, implied by the "commanded... all the things," reflects God's wisdom in establishing human structures for the administration of His justice and the maintenance of societal harmony. This verse underscores the foundational principle that obedience to God's revealed will is paramount for a people in covenant relationship with Him, serving as a constant reminder that faith is demonstrated through action. It speaks to the holistic nature of God's demands, where spiritual devotion cannot be separated from ethical conduct and social responsibility.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:18 serves as a profound reminder that God's will for His people is comprehensive and practical, not merely theoretical. Just as Moses commanded "all the things" for Israel's flourishing in the Promised Land, so too does God's Word provide exhaustive guidance for believers today, addressing every sphere of life—from personal ethics to community interaction, from worship to justice. This verse challenges us to consider the breadth of God's commands and our willingness to embrace them fully, not selectively. It calls us to active obedience, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated not just by hearing but by "doing." Furthermore, it highlights the importance of wise leadership and the establishment of just systems within our communities and churches, ensuring that God's principles are upheld and communicated effectively. Our obedience is not a burden but a pathway to blessing, reflecting our love for God and our trust in His perfect wisdom for our lives, leading to a life that honors Him in every detail.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "at that time" refer to in Deuteronomy 1:18?
Answer: The phrase "at that time" specifically refers to the period shortly after the Israelites departed from Mount Sinai (Horeb), where they received the Law. Moses is recounting the events described in Exodus 18, where, overwhelmed by the immense burden of judging all the disputes of the people, he received counsel from his father-in-law, Jethro, to appoint capable men as judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. These appointed leaders would handle the everyday cases, bringing only the most difficult matters to Moses. Thus, "at that time" signifies the establishment of this crucial judicial and administrative system, through which Moses effectively "commanded" the people by delegating authority and ensuring the comprehensive application of God's laws, setting the stage for the detailed instructions that follow in Deuteronomy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:18, with its emphasis on Moses commanding "all the things which ye should do," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant law, Jesus is the divine Lawgiver and the perfect embodiment of all that God commanded. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, as He declared in Matthew 5:17. Where Israel struggled to obey "all the things," Christ perfectly lived out every command, fulfilling the righteousness required by God on our behalf. Furthermore, Jesus Himself issues new commands, such as the command to "love one another, just as I have loved you" in John 13:34, and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Through His atoning sacrifice, He enables believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to truly "do" God's will, transforming obedience from a burdensome obligation into a joyful response of love and gratitude (Romans 8:3-4). The comprehensive guidance Moses gave finds its spiritual reality in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). He is the one who perfectly demonstrates and empowers the "doing" of God's will, leading us into true life and flourishing in Him.