“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.”
This verse is part of Moses’ address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular section, Moses is appointing leaders and judges to help administer justice among the people. Let’s break down the verse and explore its key concepts:
Equality in judgment:The verse begins by emphasising the importance of not showing favouritism or partiality based on a person’s social status, wealth, or influence. It states, “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment.” This instruction emphasises the need for fair and impartial judgment, treating both the small and the great equally.
Attentive listening:The verse continues, “ye shall hear the small as well as the great.” This highlights the importance of actively listening to all parties involved in a dispute, regardless of their position or stature. The judges are called to provide a fair hearing to everyone, ensuring that justice is served.
Fearlessness in judgment:Moses encourages the judges not to be intimidated by the face of man, meaning they should not be swayed by the power or influence of individuals involved in a case. They are to exercise their judgment without fear of consequences or retaliation. Instead, their focus should be on upholding justice according to God’s standards.
God as the ultimate judge:Moses reminds the judges that the judgment ultimately belongs to God. He says, “for the judgment is God’s.” This statement reinforces the idea that human judges are acting as God’s representatives on earth, administering justice according to His principles. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority behind their role.
Difficult cases referred to Moses:Moses concludes the verse by instructing the judges that if a case is too difficult for them to handle, they should bring it to him, and he will hear it. This demonstrates Moses’ willingness to provide guidance and resolve complicated matters that might be beyond the judges’ abilities. It also highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and counsel when faced with challenging situations.
Overall, Deuteronomy 1:17 emphasises the principles of impartiality, attentive listening, fearlessness in judgment, acknowledgment of God’s authority, and seeking wisdom when needed. These principles remain relevant today, serving as a reminder for judges and leaders to administer justice with fairness and integrity, regardless of a person’s status or influence.
