Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 17:8
8. If there arise a matter too hard for thee The meaning evidently is this: In cases where it is difficult to decide, as to a fatal blow or in disputes about civil matters, or in cases of bodily injury, the subject must be referred for adjudication to this high judicial court. The judges appointed at Sinai were to bring to Moses such cases as they found it impossible to decide. So after the people became settled in the land there was to be a place for the final adjudication of difficult... read more
Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Deuteronomy 17:8
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;For thee — He speaks to the inferior magistrates, who were erected in several cities. If thou hast not skill to determine, between blood and blood - That is, in capital causes.Between plea and plea — In civil causes, about... read more