Deuteronomy 1:9-15

9At that time I, Moses, said this to you: ‘I cannot lead you and help you by myself. It is too difficult for me to do alone.

10The Lord your God has caused you to become very many people. You are as many as the stars in the sky!

11I pray that the Lord, your ancestors' God, will cause you to become a thousand times as many people. That is how he has promised to bless you.

12But I cannot help you with your troubles and arguments all by myself.

13You must choose some wise men who understand what is right. Choose people that you know, from each of your tribes. Then I will give them authority as your leaders.’

14You answered me, ‘That is a good idea!’

15So I chose men that you knew were wise to be the leaders in your tribes. I gave them authority to rule over you. Some were leaders of groups of 1,000 men. Some led groups of 100 men, or 50 men, or ten men. I also chose other officers for each tribe.