Deuteronomy 1:13

13 Take for yourselves men who are wise, far-seeing, and respected among you, from your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

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 fathers, make you a thousand times greater in number than you are, and give you his blessing as he has said!

12 How is it possible for me by myself to be responsible for you, and undertake the weight of all your troubles and your arguments?

13 Take for yourselves men who are wise, far-seeing, and respected among you, from your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.

14 And you made answer and said to me, It is good for us to do as you say.

15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men and respected, and made them rulers over you, captains of thousands and captains of hundreds and captains of fifties and captains of tens, and overseers of your tribes.