Deuteronomy 1:16 - I commanded your judges at that time, saying, “Hear cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is living with him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 1:16" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 1:16 is a key instruction from Moses to the newly appointed judges of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"I commanded your judges at that time...": This establishes Moses as the one giving the command and situates it at a specific point in time, likely shortly after the Israelites left Egypt and were organizing their societal structure. This emphasizes the importance and authority behind the instruction.
"...saying, 'Hear cases between your brothers...'": The core duty of the judges is to listen to and adjudicate legal disputes within the Israelite community. The term "brothers" highlights the familial relationship and shared identity of the people, suggesting a context of fairness and impartiality in resolving disputes.
"...and judge righteously between a man and his brother...'": This commands the judges to be fair and just in their judgments. They must not show favoritism or bias based on personal relationships, wealth, or status. "Righteously" implies adherence to God's law and a pursuit of true justice, not arbitrary rulings.
"...and the foreigner who is living with him.'": This is a crucial inclusion. It instructs the judges to extend the same fair and righteous judgment to non-Israelites living among them ("the foreigner" or "sojourner"). This highlights the importance of treating all people within their community, regardless of their origin, with equity and justice. It demonstrates a level of social responsibility and inclusivity that was relatively uncommon in ancient times. This inclusivity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following key principles:
Fairness: Impartiality and lack of bias in judgment.
Justice: Adherence to God's law and righteous principles.
Inclusivity: Extending justice to all members of the community, including foreigners.
Authority: Moses' command, reinforcing the importance and divinely-ordained nature of the instructions.
The verse serves as a foundation for a just legal system within the Israelite community, emphasizing fairness, equality, and responsibility towards both Israelites and foreigners living among them. It reflects the importance of justice as a core value in their society.
Deuteronomy 1:16 - I commanded your judges at that time, saying, “Hear cases between your brothers, and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is living with him.
What does "Deuteronomy 1:16" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 1:16 is a key instruction from Moses to the newly appointed judges of Israel. Let's break down the meaning:
"I commanded your judges at that time...": This establishes Moses as the one giving the command and situates it at a specific point in time, likely shortly after the Israelites left Egypt and were organizing their societal structure. This emphasizes the importance and authority behind the instruction.
"...saying, 'Hear cases between your brothers...'": The core duty of the judges is to listen to and adjudicate legal disputes within the Israelite community. The term "brothers" highlights the familial relationship and shared identity of the people, suggesting a context of fairness and impartiality in resolving disputes.
"...and judge righteously between a man and his brother...'": This commands the judges to be fair and just in their judgments. They must not show favoritism or bias based on personal relationships, wealth, or status. "Righteously" implies adherence to God's law and a pursuit of true justice, not arbitrary rulings.
"...and the foreigner who is living with him.'": This is a crucial inclusion. It instructs the judges to extend the same fair and righteous judgment to non-Israelites living among them ("the foreigner" or "sojourner"). This highlights the importance of treating all people within their community, regardless of their origin, with equity and justice. It demonstrates a level of social responsibility and inclusivity that was relatively uncommon in ancient times. This inclusivity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
In summary, the verse emphasizes the following key principles:
Fairness: Impartiality and lack of bias in judgment.
Justice: Adherence to God's law and righteous principles.
Inclusivity: Extending justice to all members of the community, including foreigners.
Authority: Moses' command, reinforcing the importance and divinely-ordained nature of the instructions.
The verse serves as a foundation for a just legal system within the Israelite community, emphasizing fairness, equality, and responsibility towards both Israelites and foreigners living among them. It reflects the importance of justice as a core value in their society.