Deuteronomy 1:13 - Exposition

Take you ; literally, give to you or for you , i . e . yourselves . The selection was to be made by the people themselves. Jethro, in giving Moses the advice on which he thus acted, described the men who were to be selected as "such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" ( Exodus 18:21 ). Moses here describes them rather by qualities, indicating ability and fitness for such a post as that to which they were to be called; they were to be wise ; understanding men, men of discernment and sagacity, as well as intelligence; and known among their tribes, men of good repute in the community (" quorum conversatio sit probata ," Vulgate; comp. Acts 6:3 ; 1 Timothy 3:7 ). And I will make them rulers over you ; literally, will set them for your heads , i . e . will appoint them to act as superintendents, managers, and judges over you.