1:17Deuteronomy 1:17

Moses gave this charge to the seventy elders appointed to share the burden of governing Israel, commanding them to judge every dispute between brethren and strangers with equal fairness to the weak and the powerful.Ms 103, 1894, par. 1+2 They were to show no partiality and fear no person's standing or power, because the judgment they rendered was God's, refusing favor, bribes, or bending of justice.AA 94.1+4 Any case too difficult for them was to be brought to Moses himself to hear and decide.Ms 103, 1894, par. 1+2 The words were spoken through Moses by One greater than Moses, Christ the Mighty Counselor, and the direction to bring hard causes comes down as an invitation to take to Jesus every case that baffles human wisdom, trusting Him to hear, make the complex clear, and do the impossible.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 The chapter containing it is written for admonition upon those on whom the ends of the world are come, to be read in full with Deuteronomy 7 and Deuteronomy 8, learned and obeyed by giving up human judgment to be molded after the Lord's likeness, and it stands as the model of integrity for judges, legislators, and church leaders to defend the poor rather than oppress them.AA 94.1+4

Moses spoke the charge to the seventy elders appointed to share with him the burden of governing Israel.PP 381.3+1 It commanded righteous judgment of disputes between brethren, and between every person, including the stranger.Ms 103, 1894, par. 1+1 Any cause too hard for the appointed judges was to be brought to Moses himself for him to hear and decide.Ms 103, 1894, par. 1+4 That referral of cases beyond their ability belonged to the same charge.RH Dec 31, 1903+4

The words were spoken through Moses by One greater than Moses, Christ the Mighty Counselor.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 The verse belongs to the history of Israel that Moses was instructed to repeat, recounting failures and victories as lessons to guide later experiences.Lt 204, 1908, par. 2–3

The command requires hearing the small as well as the great, giving the socially weak, the poor, and the lowly the same full hearing as the powerful and favoring neither side in the decision.AA 94.1+4 It extends to every dispute between brethren and between every person, including the stranger, with no partiality shown to either the least or the greatest.Ms 103, 1894, par. 1+4 Impartiality means listening to both the weak and the powerful alike and deciding righteously between them.Ms 9, 1903, par. 3–5+2

It forbids being afraid of the face of man, which means no fear of anyone's standing, status, power, or influence in rendering judgment.AA 94.1+4 Those entrusted with authority must not be intimidated by evil people nor allow human faces or power to bend their course.Ms 9, 1903, par. 3–5+2 The reason given is that the judgment is God's, and therefore it is His and not man's to be feared.AA 94.1+4

It therefore requires letting equity govern decisions, with clear discernment so that decisions are righteous.Ms 9, 1903, par. 3–5+2 It calls for capable and God-fearing faithfulness in those who share the burden of leadership, governing equitably and faithfully.RH Dec 31, 1903+1 It demands refusal to show favor, to accept bribes, or to bend justice to gain favor.Ms 9, 1903, par. 3–5+1

It stands as the model of judicial integrity for judges and legislators in modern times.PP 381.3 It also sets out the qualities needed in wise church leaders, namely sound judgment and the courage to apply justice impartially without being swayed by standing or influence.AA 94.1 Rulers must judge fairly and without favor because judgment belongs to God.AA 94.1+1

In the lesson of the parable of the unjust judge, it calls those who fear God to respect and defend the cause of the poor.Ms 33, 1898, par. 8+1 It requires showing mercy to those in distress rather than oppressing them.Ms 33, 1898, par. 8+1 The poor and lowly must receive a hearing just as the great do, with no fear of any person's power or status.Ms 33, 1898, par. 8+1

The whole opening chapter that holds this charge is the word of the Lord to be read in full, written for admonition upon those on whom the ends of the world are come.20MR 111.2–112.2+1 It is to be read in full together with Deuteronomy 7 and Deuteronomy 8.20MR 111.2–112.2 It is to be learned and appreciated and obeyed, so that only those who submit their own judgment and follow the Lord's will are fitted for connection with His institutions.20MR 111.2–112.2

That admonition requires giving up human judgment and opinion and self-pleasing.Lt 73, 1896, par. 30–31 It requires being molded after the Lord's likeness to perfection of character.Lt 73, 1896, par. 30–31 It requires viewing everything in the light of Christ's example of self-denial and self-sacrifice and truth.Lt 73, 1896, par. 30–31

The direction to bring causes too hard for human judgment comes down through the ages as a cheering and hopeful invitation to the Israel of God today.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 Every case that baffles human wisdom and lies beyond the keenest human skill is to be taken to Jesus.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 He will hear united petitions and will not disappoint expectation, for with Him nothing is impossible.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 What He requires is simple faith without doubt in His word that He will remove difficulties and perplexities and make what is complex clear and what is dark light.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3 He thus gives a stable foundation to rest on and live by looking to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of faith even when the way is sunless and starless like an intricate wilderness.Lt 80, 1893, par. 2–3