Deuteronomy 1 14

Deuteronomy 1:14 kjv

And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.

Deuteronomy 1:14 nkjv

And you answered me and said, 'The thing which you have told us to do is good.'

Deuteronomy 1:14 niv

You answered me, "What you propose to do is good."

Deuteronomy 1:14 esv

And you answered me, 'The thing that you have spoken is good for us to do.'

Deuteronomy 1:14 nlt

"Then you responded, 'Your plan is a good one.'

Deuteronomy 1 verses

Deuteronomy 1 14 Meaning

Deuteronomy 1:14 describes the Israelite community's unanimous and positive response to Moses' proposal to appoint leaders to assist him in judging and administering the people. They affirmed Moses' suggestion as a "good thing" that they were prepared to implement, indicating their acceptance and readiness for a structured, delegated system of governance.

Deuteronomy 1 14 Context

Deuteronomy 1 begins Moses' final series of speeches to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. This generation did not experience the Exodus directly and needed to hear and commit to God's covenant anew. Moses' speech serves as a recapitulation of their journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) and the key events and lessons learned. Verses 9-18 specifically recount the establishment of a judicial system, initiated by Moses' realization that he could not bear the administrative burden alone. He presented the idea to the people of appointing leaders for every tribal division. Verse 14, therefore, captures the critical moment of the people's direct affirmation and acceptance of this proposal, setting the stage for the practical implementation of delegated leadership within Israel. This communal acceptance underscores the historical precedent for shared governance and responsibility in the nascent nation, designed for greater order and justice as they prepared to inherit the land.

Deuteronomy 1 14 Word analysis

• And you answered me: The Hebrew is וַתַּעֲנוּ אֹתִי (va-ta'anu oti). The verb ענה ('anah) means "to answer" or "to respond." This emphasizes the people's active engagement and verbal reply to Moses. It wasn't a silent or reluctant acceptance but an articulate agreement.
• and said: The Hebrew וַתֹּאמְרוּ (va-to'meru) comes from אמר ('amar), "to say" or "to speak." This word often accompanies 'anah,' reinforcing the communicative aspect of their reply. It signifies a clear, spoken declaration of their will.
• ‘The thing: The Hebrew is הַדָּבָר (ha-davar). Davar is a rich Hebrew word, meaning "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "decree." Here, with the definite article ha (the), it refers specifically and comprehensively to Moses' entire proposal (Deut 1:9-13) regarding the delegation of judicial authority and the establishment of an administrative structure for Israel. It encompasses the wisdom, the details, and the intent of Moses' plan.
• that you have spoken: The Hebrew אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתֶּם (asher dibbartem) uses דִּבַּרְתֶּם (dibbartem) from דבר (dabar), related to davar, meaning "you spoke" or "you proposed." This clarifies that ha-davar is indeed Moses' articulate suggestion, not something already established or externally imposed. It identifies the origin of the "thing."
• is good: The Hebrew טוֹב (tov) signifies "good," "agreeable," "pleasing," "beneficial," or "right." It expresses full approval and indicates that the people perceived Moses' plan as advantageous and wise for their communal well-being and orderly functioning. It implies perceived benefit and fitness for purpose.
• for us to do.’: The Hebrew לַעֲשׂוֹת (la'asot) comes from the root עשׂה ('asah), meaning "to do," "to make," "to act," or "to carry out." This phrase indicates not merely verbal agreement but a readiness for active implementation. It denotes the people's willingness and commitment to carry out Moses' proposed plan and share in the responsibilities.
• "And you answered me and said, ‘The thing that you have spoken is good for us to do.’": This complete phrase powerfully conveys communal consent and ownership. It signifies that the Israelites actively engaged with Moses' proposal, verbally affirmed its perceived benefit (tov), and expressed their collective commitment (la'asot) to execute it. This act was crucial for the legitimate and effective functioning of the delegated leadership structure within the nation.

Deuteronomy 1 14 Bonus section

This verse, occurring in Moses' recounting of historical events to a new generation, emphasizes the significance of this original act of consent. It's not just a record of the past but a foundational teaching for the present generation regarding communal participation in governance and the blessing that comes from structured, just administration. Moses underscores that the very formation of their system of justice stemmed from both divine inspiration (through Moses) and collective human acceptance. This dynamic highlights that God's plan often unfolds through human agreement and cooperative action, reinforcing the idea of a responsible, engaged community rather than passive subjects.

Deuteronomy 1 14 Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:14 stands as a testament to wise, consultative leadership and the principle of shared responsibility within the covenant community. Moses, though divinely appointed, recognized the limits of solo leadership and the need for administrative delegation, as previously counseled by Jethro (Exod 18). His proposal was not an arbitrary decree but a presented plan to the people, seeking their active input and buy-in. The people's enthusiastic reply, affirming the "thing" as "good for us to do," highlights a significant aspect of Israelite governance: while leadership flowed from God through Moses, practical administration and effective execution involved communal consent and cooperation. This acceptance forged a sense of ownership among the Israelites for the judicial system. It demonstrates that effective and God-honoring leadership often involves burden-sharing and the empowerment of others, leading to a more robust and just society. For instance, in local church contexts, it highlights the importance of the congregation's agreement and participation in ministry roles or significant decisions, echoing the early church's delegation of duties in Acts 6 for more effective ministry.