Deuteronomy 1:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 1:17
17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 1 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, truth, wisdom. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 1:17
17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.
Analysis
Moses' charge to the judges establishes principles of righteous judgment: hear cases impartially ('between every man and his brother'), extend justice to foreigners ('the stranger'), avoid partiality regardless of social status ('not respect persons'), and fear God alone. The command 'ye shall not be afraid of the face of man' addresses the temptation to pervert justice due to intimidation or favoritism. 'The judgment is God's' means judges act as God's representatives, accountable ultimately to Him. Hard cases were to be brought to Moses, acknowledging the limitations of human wisdom.
Historical Context
This judicial code predates similar principles in other ancient Near Eastern law codes by emphasizing impartiality toward strangers and the poor. Most ancient legal systems favored citizens over foreigners and the wealthy over the poor. Israel's law reflects God's character—He 'is no respecter of persons' (Acts 10:34) and defends the vulnerable. The New Testament applies these principles to church leadership and conflict resolution (1 Timothy 5:21; James 2:1-9).
Reflection
- How does the principle that 'judgment is God's' shape your approach to making decisions and resolving conflicts?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to 'respect persons' rather than act with impartial justice?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 16:19, Exodus 18:22, 18:26, Leviticus 19:15, 2 Chronicles 19:6, Proverbs 24:23
- References God: Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:4
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 29:25, James 2:9