13 Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you."
13 Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.'
13 So select some wise, understanding, and seasoned men from your tribes, and I will commission them as your leaders."
13 Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.'
13 Choose some well-respected men from each tribe who are known for their wisdom and understanding, and I will appoint them as your leaders.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:13
Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:9-18
(Read Deuteronomy 1:9-18)
Moses reminds the people of the happy constitution of their government, which might make them all safe and easy, if it was not their own fault. He owns the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham, and prays for the further accomplishment of it. We are not straitened in the power and goodness of God; why should we be straitened in our own faith and hope? Good laws were given to the Israelites, and good men were to see to the execution of them, which showed God's goodness to them, and the care of Moses.