²¹ But select capable men^(A) from all the people—men who fear^(B) God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain^(C)—and appoint them as officials^(D) over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

²² Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case^(A) to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share^(B) it with you.

⁹ In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges.^[a](A) The one whom the judges declare^[b] guilty must pay back double to the other.

²⁸ “Do not blaspheme God^[a](A) or curse^(B) the ruler of your people.^(C)

¹⁵ “‘Do not pervert justice;^(A) do not show partiality^(B) to the poor or favoritism to the great,^(C) but judge your neighbor fairly.^(D)

¹² But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself?^{(A) 13} Choose some wise, understanding and respected men^(B) from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

¹⁴ You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.”

¹⁵ So I took^(C) the leading men of your tribes,^(D) wise and respected men,^(E) and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders^(F) of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials.^{(G) 16} And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge^(H) fairly,^(I) whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you.^{(J) 17} Do not show partiality^(K) in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone,^(L) for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”^(M)

Judges

¹⁸ Appoint judges^(A) and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.^(B)