Walking with the People of God - Organizing the Community Part 4

Walking With the People of God

Organizing the Community

Part 4: The Elders in Action at Moses direction
Deuteronomy 1: 9-18: Commissioning and Instruction of the Elders
 
The Children of Israel needed to complete their journey to the Land of Promise. Moses prayed to God for direction in this task and in governing this large number of people.  Moses told the people they were too large for him to “carry alone”.  He prayed that they be blessed and multiplied a thousand times over.  Moses realized he needed help in directing them.
 
Moses understood that he should select elders who were “wise”, “intelligent”, and “experienced”.  The elders were to be placed over various groups of people. That is in groups of thousand, hundred, fifty, and ten. This demonstrates a framework of leadership moving from small base groups to a larger group, and ultimately to a final authority. This system provides a balance of discernment in directing the people.
 
The elders are instructed to “listen to complaints” and “administer true justice”.  Even if the person is an “alien”, or non-Israelite, they are to receive proper justice.  The elders are to “favor no one”, whether rich or poor, great or small.  They are told to “fear no one”, as God is the judge.  If a case is too hard, then refer it to the leader. The laws were given by God through Moses for the people to understand and to do.
 
Moses prayed and was helped. He shared his work with others who were wise and able.  Cases were to be heard in an orderly and organized manner.  Elders were to listen, administer justice fairly, treat everyone the same, remember that God is the ultimate judge, and refer harder cases to the highest authority.  The elders must have knowledge of the Commandments.
 
The Israelites faced many difficulties and ultimately victories as they approached their Land of Promise.  In a similar way, all God’s people mature in knowledge and experience as they approach their goals.  If we expect to accomplish our common goals, we need to hear God’s word and put it into action. We should be fair to one another. We should work together as a people.
 
Reflection Questions: 

1.  What knowledge was needed for the elders to do their job?
2. What qualities were needed for the elders?
3. How were the elders to listen and administer justice?
4. If a case was too difficult to decide, what was the elder expected to do?