Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.
Israel was to take from among its own tribes men distinguished by wisdom and understanding and already known and recognized among their people, and these chosen men were to be made rulers over them. This appointment was Moses's plan for sharing the work of governing and leadership, so that the burden would not rest on him alone but qualified leaders would bear it with him. These trusted leaders were set in organized order over thousands and over hundreds and over fifties and over tens.
Their responsibility was to judge disputes between people fairly, showing no favoritism and hearing the small and the great alike. The people agreed to this leadership plan and promised to follow the Lord's directions given through it, but afterward they acted against their agreement by rebellion and murmuring and discontent. The verse stands in a chapter to be read carefully to see why the Lord refused to bring the adult army that came out of Egypt into the promised land, proving that the Lord's promises are upon condition of obedience.
The chapter is to be read in full because it was written for admonition upon those living when the ends of the world are come. It calls for following the Lord's guidance rather than human judgment and opinion, and for measuring everything by the example and perfection of Christ's character. It requires that only those who learn the word of the Lord and appreciate and obey His voice be connected with His institutions, while those who urge their own mind and judgment as supreme are unqualified to manage them.
Israel was to take from among its own tribes men distinguished by wisdom and understanding and already known and recognized among their people, and these chosen men were to be made rulers over them. This appointment was Moses's plan for sharing the work of governing and leadership, so that the burden would not rest on him alone but qualified leaders would bear it with him. These trusted leaders were set in organized order over thousands and over hundreds and over fifties and over tens.
Their responsibility was to judge disputes between people fairly, showing no favoritism and hearing the small and the great alike. The people agreed to this leadership plan and promised to follow the Lord's directions given through it, but afterward they acted against their agreement by rebellion and murmuring and discontent. The verse stands in a chapter to be read carefully to see why the Lord refused to bring the adult army that came out of Egypt into the promised land, proving that the Lord's promises are upon condition of obedience.
The chapter is to be read in full because it was written for admonition upon those living when the ends of the world are come. It calls for following the Lord's guidance rather than human judgment and opinion, and for measuring everything by the example and perfection of Christ's character. It requires that only those who learn the word of the Lord and appreciate and obey His voice be connected with His institutions, while those who urge their own mind and judgment as supreme are unqualified to manage them.