Deuteronomy 1:13

13 So choose some men from each tribe -- wise men who have understanding and experience -- and I will make them leaders 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 I pray that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, will give you a thousand times more people and do all the wonderful things he promised.

12 But I cannot take care of your problems, your troubles, and your arguments by myself.

13 So choose some men from each tribe -- wise men who have understanding and experience -- and I will make them leaders over you."

14 And you said, "That's a good thing to do."

15 So I took the wise and experienced leaders of your tribes, and I made them your leaders. I appointed commanders over a thousand people, over a hundred people, over fifty people, and over ten people and made them officers over your tribes.