Moses could not bear the problems, burdens, and complaints of Israel alone. Thus, he told Israel that they needed judges who were wise, understanding, and knowledgeable, and the idea pleased the nation,

“And you answered me and said, ‘The thing which you have told us to do is good’” (Deuteronomy 1:14).

Then Deuteronomy 1:15-18 shows what those judges were to be like, and how they were to function.

1. They had to be heads of tribes
2. They had to be wise and knowledgeable men
3. They would judge according to their ability
4. They had to judge righteously
5. They could not show partiality in judgment
6. They would pass on to a judge above them if the case proved too hard
7. They were not to be afraid in any man’s presence
8. They were to know that the judgment was God’s.

What would happen in the nations of the world today, if they had such judges? When you have to judge a matter, use this guideline and see if it helps you.