Deuteronomy 1:9

Moses Appoints Leaders

9 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. ¹

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; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the foothills, in the Negev, and along the seacoast to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great River Euphrates.

8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess the land that the LORD swore He would give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to their descendants after them.”

9 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone.

10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky.

11 May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised.

Cross References

• 1. (Exodus 18:13–27)