Old Testament
Deuteronomy 1:15
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Moses is recounting how he chose leaders from among the people.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
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.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey
Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.
Unlock the full Deuteronomy summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Deuteronomy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 34 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Deuteronomy summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.