Keraia
Deuteronomy 1

Deuteronomy 1:17

Moses Appoints Leaders · Deuteronomy 1:9–18
Read Deuteronomy 1

Translations

Modern
Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”
Traditional
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Literal
You shall not discern faces in judgment; the small as well as the great you shall hear. You shall not be afraid of the face of any man, for the judgment, it is unto God. And the case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.”
Latin
Nulla erit distantia personarum: ita parvum audietis ut magnum, nec accipietis cujusquam personam, quia Dei judicium est. Quod si difficile vobis visum aliquid fuerit, referte ad me, et ego audiam.

Original

Hebrew
English
Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

Notes

Deuteronomy 1:16–17

Show no partiality (literally Do not notice faces): People appearing before the court should be treated as though they were wearing a mask to conceal their identity. Judges were not to be influenced by rich and powerful persons in the community but were to judge on the basis of God’s own impartiality (10:17) and treat all persons equally under the law.

Deuteronomy 1:6–4:40

Secular treaties (formal agreements between nations) often included a section about the past relationship between the two partners. This section reviewed what had happened before the agreement.

In this case, the purpose was to review Israel’s successes and failures since the exodus from Egypt. It reminded the people that God had kept his word, even when they did not obey him.

To prepare the Israelites for life in Canaan, Moses reminded them about life in Egypt, their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, and their past mistakes. He warned them to obey God's covenant. He assured them that God's grace would follow them as they learned to trust and obey the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Wisdom

Parallels

Exodus 18:13–27

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Hill Country of the Amorites Judge King

Topics

Conflict Resolution Court: Civil: Composition of, and Mode of Procedure Court: Justice Required of Court: Superior, and Inferior Courts of Justice: Judges of To Judge Without Respect of Persons Courts of Justice: Superior Court: Decided on all Appeals and Difficult Cases Free Speech Government: Mosaic: Administrative and Judicial System Israel: At the Suggestion of Jethro, Moses' Father-In-Law, They Organize a System of Government Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Magistrates: should be Impartial Moses: Institutes a System of Government Protests Rulers: Duties of Treatment of Employees