If there arise a matter too hard for thee These words are to be considered as addressed to the ordinary judges, or inferior magistrates, who were appointed in every city. Between blood and blood That is, in capital causes, whether a man hath committed wilful or casual murder. Between plea and plea In civil causes, about words or estates, when the question is, whose cause or plea is the better? Between stroke and stroke In criminal causes; in the case of wounds or blows inflicted by one man upon another, of which see Exodus 21:20. Being matters of controversy That is, such things being doubtful, and the magistrates being divided in their opinions about them. Thou shalt get thee unto the place which the Lord shall choose Namely, to set up his tabernacle or temple there; because there was the abode, both of their sanhedrim, which was constituted of priests and civil magistrates, and of the high-priests, who were to consult God, by Urim, in matters which could not be decided otherwise.
Related Commentaries of Deuteronomy 17:8
Deuteronomy 17:8
8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;