Deuteronomy 1:13

Study note

Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites at the edge of the Promised Land, responding to his complaint about bearing the people's troubles, burdens, and disputes alone. He instructs the community to select representatives from each tribe to share leadership.

The words — The Hebrew הָב֣וּ (ha.Vu) means "provide" or "choose," and יִדֻעִים (vi./du.'Im) literally means "known" or "respected." These terms specify that the leaders must be actively selected for their wisdom, understanding, and established reputation.

The thread — This directive parallels the counsel in Exodus 18:21, the Lord's command to gather seventy elders in Numbers 11:16, and the apostolic requirement to choose a replacement for Judas in Acts 1:21.

Why it lands — The text commands the community to actively identify and present qualified individuals rather than passively waiting for divine appointment. It establishes a pattern where communal discernment precedes official leadership assignment.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.