Deuteronomy 1:9

Leaders for the Tribes

9 "I said to you at that time: I can't bear [the responsibility for] you on my own.

Deuteronomy 1:9 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:9

And I spake unto you at that time
About that time; for it was after the rock in Horeb was smitten, and before they encamped at Mount Sinai, that Jethro gave the advice which Moses took, and proceeded on it, as here related; see ( Exodus 18:1-27 )

saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone;
to rule and govern them, judge and determine matters between them. Jethro suggested this to Moses, and he took the hint, and was conscious to himself that it was too much for him, and so declared it to the people, though it is not before recorded; see ( Exodus 18:18 ) .

Deuteronomy 1:9 In-Context

7 Resume your journey and go to the hill country of the Amorites and their neighbors in the Arabah, the hill country, the lowlands, the Negev and the sea coast-to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon as far as the Euphrates River.

8 See, I have set the land before you. Enter and take possession of the land the Lord swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants after them.'

9 "I said to you at that time: I can't bear [the responsibility for] you on my own.

10 The Lord your God has so multiplied you that today you are as numerous as the stars of the sky.

11 May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times more, and bless you as He promised you.