Deuteronomy 1:13

13 Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders."

Deuteronomy 1:13 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:13

Take ye wise men, and understanding, and known among your
tribes
Not only whose persons were well known, but their characters and qualifications, for their probity and integrity, for their wisdom and prudence in the management of affairs, for their skill and knowledge in things divine and human, civil and religious, and for their capacity in judging and determining matters in difference; see ( Exodus 18:21 )

and I will make them rulers over you;
the people were allowed to choose their own officers, whom they were to bring to Moses, and present before him, to be invested with their office. A like method was taken in the choice and constitution of deacons in the Christian church, when the secular affairs of it lay too heavy upon the apostles, ( Acts 6:3 ) .

Deuteronomy 1:13 In-Context

11 May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times more and bless you, as he has promised you!

12 But how can I bear the heavy burden of your disputes all by myself?

13 Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders."

14 You answered me, "The plan you have proposed is a good one."

15 So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and reputable individuals, and installed them as leaders over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officials, throughout your tribes.