Deuteronomy 1:13-14 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:13

Take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes ,.... Not only whose persons were well known, but their characters and qualifications, for their probity and integrity, for their wisdom and prudence in the management of affairs, for their skill and knowledge in things divine and human, civil and religious, and for their capacity in judging and determining matters in difference; see Exodus 18:21 . and I will make them rulers over you ; the people were allowed to choose... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:14

And ye answered me and said ,.... As the speech of Moses to the people is not expressed before, so neither this answer of theirs to him: the thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do ; to look out for and present persons to him as before described; this they saw was for their own good and profit, as well as for the ease of Moses, and therefore readily agreed to it. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 1:13

Take you wise men - חכמים chachamim , such as had gained knowledge by great labor and study. Understanding נבנים nebonim , persons of discernment, judicious men. Known, ידעים yeduim , persons practiced in the operations of nature, capable of performing curious and important works. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 1:13

Verse 13 13.Take you wise men. Hence it more plainly appears that those who were to preside in judgment were not appointed only by the will of Moses, but. elected by the votes of the people. And this is the most desirable kind c f liberty, that we should not be compelled to obey every’ person who may be tyrannically put over our heads; but which allows of election, so that no one should rule except he be approved of by us. And this is further confirmed in the next verse, wherein Moses recounts... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:1-18

The impartiality of God to be reflected in the judges of his people. In the following Homilies we adhere to the traditional view of the Mosaic authorship of the book, believing that no sufficient evidence has yet been adduced by the critics for departing from that view. Moses enters upon his addresses in the land of Moab by recapitulating the salient points of the Exodus. The first notable reference is to the appointment of the judges. The qualifications and directions here recorded are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:6-18

Rules to be observed in choosing rulers. This paragraph may with advantage be compared with Exodus 18:1-27 ; in which there is a fuller account of the circumstances under which the choice of judges and magistrates was proposed and made; this important step towards the order and consolidation of the national life was taken at the suggestion of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Referring to the exposition of that chapter for the historic detail, we note here simply: 1. That the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-16

Division of labor. (Cf. Exodus 18:13-27 .) An instance of a good idea Reminds us that division of labor is as important in Church work as in the arts. I. THE NEGLECT OF DIVISION OF LABOR LEADS TO SERIOUS EVILS . 1. The work is not overtaken. "Not able" ( Deuteronomy 1:9 ). 2. Those who have to do it are greatly overtaxed. "Cumbrance," "burden" ( Deuteronomy 1:12 ). 3. Energy is wasted on subordinate tasks which might be applied to better purpose.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Moses reminds them that he had done all that was required on his part to conduct the people to the enjoyment of what God had freely given to them. The people had so increased in number that Moses found himself unable to attend to all the matters that concerned them, or to adjudicate in all the differences that arose among them. God had brought to pass that which he had promised to Abraham ( Genesis 15:5 ), that his seed should be as the stars of heaven for multitude; in this Moses rejoiced,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

The blessing of good government. I. A WISE MAN DISAVOWS ABSOLUTE MONARCHY . Legislation, the most difficult department of government, had been furnished for Israel by the Supreme Mind of the universe; yet Moses found the task of administration too much for a single arm. The aim of every ruler ought to be, not personal power, but universal service—the greatest good of the greatest number. No wise man will expose himself to the tremendous temptation of personal aggrandizement.... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 1:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 1:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:6-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-16

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 1:9-18

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