For thee — He speaks to the inferior magistrates, who were erected in several cities. If thou hast not skill to determine, between blood and blood — That is, in capital causes. Between plea and plea — In civil causes, about words or estates. Between stroke and stroke — In criminal causes, concerning blows, or wounds inflicted by one man upon another. Matters of controversy — That is, such things being doubtful, and the magistrates divided in their opinions about it. Chuse — 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;