Deuteronomy 1:9-18 cf. Exodus 18:13-26 * (E)). The idea of appointing judges to assist Moses is in Exodus 18:17-23 suggested by Jethro not, as here, by Moses himself. The parallel passage differs also as to the time. See Deuteronomy 16:18-20 * and Deuteronomy 17:8-13 *, where further provision is made for the administration of justice.
Deuteronomy 1:15. officers: Deuteronomy 16:18 *.
Deuteronomy 1:16. a man and his brother: a Hebraism meaning one man and another. the stranger: better sojourner (p. 110, Leviticus 17:8 f.*). The Heb. word (ger) denotes an alien who has settled permanently among the Israelites. In the earlier codes he had no legal status, and was, therefore, liable to be oppressed and wronged; see Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9 (JE). In post-exilic times (P, etc.) he had become a naturalised Jew (i.e. a proselyte, the word used in the LXX), having the privileges and responsibilities of full citizenship; cf. Exodus 12:49 (P), Leviticus 24:22 (H), etc. See HSDB, Stranger. Heb. treated the alien much more humanely than Bab. law (Deuteronomy 15:12-18 *).
Deuteronomy 1:17. God decides through the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30, pp. 100f.). and through His laws. In Deuteronomy 1:19-46 (from Horeb to Kadesh) the narrative interrupted by Deuteronomy 1:9-18 is resumed.