Deuteronomy 1:9-18

https://www.biblestudytools.com/deuteronomy/passage/?q=deuteronomy+1:9-18

The Appointment of Leaders

9 At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. 10 The LORD your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11 May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised! 12 But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.” 14 You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.” 15 So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. 17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” 18 And at that time I told you everything you were to do.

Study Notes:

1:9-13 It was a tremendous burden for Moses to lead the nation by himself. He could not accomplish the task single-handedly. Like nations, as organizations and churches grow, they become increasingly complex. Conflicting needs and quarrels arise. No longer can one leader make all the decisions. Like Moses, you may have a natural tendency to try to do all the work alone. You may be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Moses made a wise decision to share the work with others. Rather than trying to handle larger responsibilities alone, look for ways of sharing the load so that others may exercise their God-given gifts and abilities.

1:13-18 Moses identified some of the inner qualities of good leaders: (1) wisdom, (2) understanding, and (3) respect. These characteristics differ markedly from the ones that often help elect leaders today: good looks, wealth, popularity, willingness to do anything to get to the top. The qualities Moses identified should be evident in us as we lead, and we should look for them in those we elect to positions of leadership.

---

Oh that our leaders today displayed true wisdom and understanding and respect--especially to the people they lead! Oh that our judges truly decided cases impartially, fearlessly hearing both large and small. One would think after all these years, that there would be a bit more perfection in these areas. But I am reminded of what I just studied in Hebrews about Christ and the better covenant, and how the laws are fulfilled by Him. We have our ultimate hope. And we have our present suffering. And fortunately, God gives us perseverance.

---

Father, Your way is awesome. Your Word is not new. It is timeless. Thank You that we are reminded by Your Holy Spirit of Truth to go back and read it again and again. As you refine us, set Your Word in our hearts and minds. Help us in this day reflect the good leadership qualities that we have just read. Let us look for ways to apply them. And Lord, also set within us boldness to expose the truth in these areas. All these we ask according to Your will and timing, in Jesus' name. Amen.

---

A Song: https://youtu.be/JofeXe2hinw

Have a blessed day.