Old Testament
Deuteronomy 1:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So I selected the leading men of your tribes — wise and respected — and appointed them over you as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, along with other officials for each tribe.
Compare translations
So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes.
What Deuteronomy 1:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Moses is recounting how he chose leaders from among the people. He looked for individuals who were wise and respected, knowing that good leadership is essential for a community. By appointing these leaders as commanders over various groups, he ensured that the people would have guidance and support. This structure allowed for better organization and decision-making. Each leader was responsible for a specific number of people, which helped maintain order and address the needs of the community effectively. Moses understood that strong leadership is vital for success and harmony. This choice reflects the importance of surrounding ourselves with capable individuals who can help us navigate challenges. It also highlights the value of wisdom and respect in leadership roles, as these qualities foster trust and cooperation among the people. Ultimately, this passage teaches us about the significance of choosing the right leaders to guide us in our journeys, whether in our personal lives or within our communities.
How to apply Deuteronomy 1:15 to your life
Consider the leaders in your life and the qualities that make them effective. Seek out wise and respected individuals to guide you in your decisions. Remember that good leadership can make a significant difference in achieving your goals and maintaining harmony in your relationships. Surround yourself with those who inspire and support you on your journey toward success and fulfillment. Reflect on how you can be a leader for others as well.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Deuteronomy 1:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Deuteronomy 1:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 1:15 mean?
Deuteronomy 1:15 describes how Moses appointed wise and respected leaders from among the tribes of Israel to help govern the people. This structure of leadership was intended to provide guidance and organization, ensuring that the community could function effectively.
What is the significance of leadership in Deuteronomy 1:15?
The significance of leadership in Deuteronomy 1:15 lies in the emphasis on choosing wise and respected individuals to lead. This choice reflects the importance of capable leadership in maintaining order and addressing the needs of the community.
What qualities did Moses look for in leaders according to Deuteronomy 1:15?
According to Deuteronomy 1:15, Moses looked for leaders who were wise and respected. These qualities were essential for effective leadership and fostering trust within the community.
How does Deuteronomy 1:15 relate to community organization?
Deuteronomy 1:15 relates to community organization by illustrating how Moses structured leadership into various levels, such as commanders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. This hierarchical organization helped ensure that the community was well-managed and that leaders could effectively address the needs of their groups.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.