Deuteronomy 1:9

9 At that time I said to you, "I'm not able to take care of you by myself.

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 Break camp, and get ready! Go to the mountain region of the Amorites, and go to everyone living on the plains, in the mountains, in the foothills, in the Negev, on the whole Mediterranean coast (the land of the Canaanites), and into Lebanon as far as the Euphrates River.

8 I'm giving you this land. Enter, and take possession of the land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to you, their descendants."

9 At that time I said to you, "I'm not able to take care of you by myself.

10 The LORD your God has made your population increase so that you are now as numerous as the stars in the sky.

11 May the LORD God of your ancestors make you a thousand times more numerous, and may he bless you as he has promised.