Deuteronomy 1:9-17

9I also said to you at that time, “I am no longer able to sustain you by myself.

10The Lord your God has increased your population to the point that you are now as numerous as the very stars of the sky.

11Indeed, may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, make you a thousand times more numerous than you are now, blessing you just as he said he would!

12But how can I alone bear up under the burden of your hardship and strife?

13Select wise and practical men, those known among your tribes, whom I may appoint as your leaders.”

14You replied to me that what I had said to you was good.

15So I chose as your tribal leaders wise and well-known men, placing them over you as administrators of groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and also as other tribal officials.

16I furthermore admonished your judges at that time that they should pay attention to issues among your fellow citizens and judge fairly, whether between one citizen and another or a citizen and a resident foreigner.

17They must not discriminate in judgment, but hear the lowly and the great alike. Nor should they be intimidated by human beings, for judgment belongs to God. If the matter being adjudicated is too difficult for them, they should bring it before me for a hearing.