Deuteronomy 1:17
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The phrase "you shall not be intimidated by anyone" gets to the heart of it, because the reason given is crucial: "for the judgment is God's." This isn't just about fairness; it's about recognizing that judges are acting as God's representatives, meaning their ultimate accountability is to Him, not to human opinion or power.
You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is appointing judges to help him rule the Israelites, acknowledging that he can't handle every dispute alone due to the sheer number of people. This verse lays out the core principles these judges must follow: impartiality, courage in the face of powerful individuals, and understanding that their authority ultimately comes from God. It also establishes a clear appeals process, directing difficult cases back to Moses himself.
Ever felt like the 'little guy' got overlooked? Or maybe you've seen someone with influence get a free pass? This verse cuts right to the heart of that.
God's instruction here is crystal clear: judges must not play favorites. It's not about looking at who someone is – rich or poor, powerful or weak – but at the truth of the situation.
No Exceptions
The text uses the phrase 'hear the small and the great alike.' This means every single person, no matter their status, deserves a fair hearing. Justice isn't a VIP service; it's for everyone.
The Danger of Favoritism
Showing favoritism, or 'respecting persons' as it's often translated, means letting external factors like wealth, status, or even personal relationships sway your judgment. This corrupts the very essence of justice and dishonors God.
Ever felt the pressure to bend the rules or look the other way because someone powerful was watching? This verse gives us the backbone we need.
Moses tells the judges, 'You shall not be intimidated by anyone.' This isn't just a suggestion; it's a mandate for courage in the face of intimidation.
The Source of Authority
The reason given is profound: 'for the judgment is God’s.' When you stand in a position of judgment, you are acting as God's representative. This means your ultimate accountability isn't to the people you're judging or to those who hold earthly power, but to the Almighty.
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Divine Backing
Understanding that the judgment belongs to God provides immense strength. It means you don't have to fear human opposition. God, who authorizes the judgment, will stand with those who execute it justly and courageously.
We can't know everything, and sometimes the toughest problems land on our desk. What's the wise move when you're stumped?
This verse acknowledges a crucial reality: human wisdom has its limits. Moses wisely instructs the judges that if a case is too difficult for them, they should bring it to him.
Recognizing Our Limits
It's a sign of strength, not weakness, to admit when a problem is beyond your capacity. Trying to solve every issue without seeking further counsel or divine guidance can lead to error and injustice.
The Pathway to Resolution
Bringing difficult cases to a higher authority – in this context, Moses, who represented God's direct counsel – was the prescribed method for finding resolution. This ensures that even the most complex matters are handled with the best possible wisdom and ultimately, under God's purview.
Understand the original words
nakar · Hebrew Verb
To show favoritism or bias, often based on status, wealth, or personal relationship. Scripture strictly forbids this in legal matters, commanding that justice be administered based on the facts of the case rather than the identity of the person.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The administration of legal or moral truth. In the Bible, judgment is seen as belonging ultimately to God, the Supreme Judge, who delegates authority to human representatives to act on His behalf.
gur · Hebrew Verb
To show fear, dread, or apprehension toward a person or situation. In the context of judicial duties, it refers to the temptation to alter a verdict out of fear of human power or influence rather than fear of God.
This instruction to the Israelite judges, given just before they entered the Promised Land, highlights the critical need for impartial justice as they established their society. It underscores that their authority was derived from God, not human power, and any case beyond their ability was to be brought to Moses, who acted as God's ultimate representative.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. This event signifies their formation as a distinct nation under God's covenant.
c. 1445-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites spend 40 years in the Sinai desert. During this time, laws were given, and a system of justice was established under Moses' leadership.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Appoints Judges
Moses, following God's counsel (Exodus 18), delegates judicial authority to wise and capable men among the people, establishing a tiered system of courts.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Farewell Address
As the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land, Moses delivers a series of speeches, recounting their history and reiterating God's laws and commands for their new life.
This passage directly echoes the command not to show partiality in judgment, emphasizing that both the poor and the mighty should be treated equally under the law.
2 Chronicles 19:6-7King Jehoshaphat reiterates this principle to his judges, reminding them that they are not judging for human beings but for the Lord, who is with them and will hold them accountable.
Job 13:8Job questions whether his listeners would show favoritism towards God, highlighting the principle of not showing partiality, even in the face of divine authority.
James 2:1-4The New Testament writer James strongly condemns favoritism in the early church, using similar language to admonish believers against showing deference to the rich over the poor, reinforcing the ancient command.
Romans 13:1-7Paul explains the divine authority behind governing authorities, stating that rulers are God's servants to execute wrath on the wrongdoer, underscoring the 'judgment is God's' aspect of this verse.
bensonDeuteronomy 1:17: "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it."
Deuteronomy 1:17 . Respect persons — Hebrew, not know, or acknowledge faces; that is, not give sentence according to the outward qualities of the person, as he is poor or rich, your friend or enemy, but purely according to the merit of the…
gillDeuteronomy 1:17: "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it."
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment,.... Or pass judgment, and give sentence according to the outward appearances, circumstances, and relations of men; as whether they be friends or foes, rich or poor, old or young, men or women, lear…
The phrase "you shall not be intimidated by anyone" gets to the heart of it, because the reason given is crucial: "for the judgment is God's." This isn't just about fairness; it's about recognizing that judges are acting as God's representatives, meaning their ultimate accountability is to Him, not to human opinion or power.
Moses is appointing judges to help him rule the Israelites, acknowledging that he can't handle every dispute alone due to the sheer number of people. This verse lays out the core principles these judges must follow: impartiality, courage in the face of powerful individuals, and understanding that their authority ultimately comes from God. It also establishes a clear appeals process, directing difficult cases back to Moses himself.
Moses is appointing judges to help him rule the Israelites, acknowledging that he can't handle every dispute alone due to the sheer number of people. This verse lays out the core principles these judges must follow: impartiality, courage in the face of powerful individuals, and understanding that their authority ultimately comes from God. It also establishes a clear appeals process, directing difficult cases back to Moses himself.
"You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’" — The phrase "you shall not be intimidated by anyone" gets to the heart of it, because the reason given is crucial: "for the judgment is God's." This isn't just about fairness; it's about recognizing t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
