Deuteronomy 1:9-18

9“I said to you at that time: I can’t bear the responsibility for you on my own.

10The Lord your God has so multiplied you that today you are as numerous as the stars of the sky.

11May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times more, and bless you as he promised you.

12But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes by myself?

13Appoint for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will make them your leaders.

14“You replied to me, ‘What you propose to do is good.’

15“So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and set them over you as leaders: commanders for thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes.

16I commanded your judges at that time: Hear the cases between your brothers, and judge rightly between a man and his brother or his resident alien.

17Do not show partiality when deciding a case; listen to small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.

18At that time I commanded you about all the things you were to do.