Deuteronomy 1 9

Deuteronomy 1:9 kjv

And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:

Deuteronomy 1:9 nkjv

"And I spoke to you at that time, saying: 'I alone am not able to bear you.

Deuteronomy 1:9 niv

At that time I said to you, "You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone.

Deuteronomy 1:9 esv

"At that time I said to you, 'I am not able to bear you by myself.

Deuteronomy 1:9 nlt

Moses continued, "At that time I told you, 'You are too great a burden for me to carry all by myself.

Deuteronomy 1 verses

Deuteronomy 1 9 Meaning

Moses recounts to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab that, at a crucial time earlier in their journey, he confessed his inability to manage the overwhelming responsibility of leading, judging, and administrating such a vast and burgeoning nation all by himself. This statement reveals the immense burden of leadership and the divine necessity for shared responsibility and delegated authority.

Deuteronomy 1 9 Context

Deuteronomy is Moses' farewell discourse, a recounting and reiteration of God's Law to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land, forty years after the Exodus. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction and historical prologue, setting the scene by recalling significant events from their wilderness journey. Moses is reminding them of their journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh-Barnea and the subsequent failure to enter the land due to their unbelief. Verse 9 is situated in Moses' summary of their early days at Sinai, immediately following the divine command to break camp and proceed (Deut 1:6-8). Moses reflects on the immense administrative burden that arose at that time, requiring a divinely sanctioned solution for the governance of the nation, foreshadowing the principles of shared leadership detailed in the following verses (Deut 1:10-18), directly referencing the incident recorded in Exod 18 and Num 11.

Deuteronomy 1 9 Word analysis

• And I said (וָאֹמַר - wa'omar): The initial "And" links this statement to Moses' previous declaration about God's command to depart Horeb. "I said" (from אָמַר - amar) implies a direct declaration, emphasizing Moses' personal recognition of the situation. It shows this was a point Moses articulated clearly to the people.
• unto you (אֲלֵיכֶם - aleykhem): Direct address to the entire assembly, highlighting that this communication was public and critical for the whole community to understand. The plural "you" signifies the collective Israel.
• at that time (בָּעֵת הַהִוא - ba'et hahi): This phrase ("in that time, the very one") serves to root Moses' present recounting in a specific, pivotal historical moment that the older members of the audience would recall, and a formative moment for the nation as a whole. It specifically refers back to the period shortly after leaving Sinai when the legal and administrative needs of the growing nation became evident.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lemor): A common Hebrew idiom to introduce direct speech or clarify that the preceding verb is followed by a verbal utterance. While seemingly redundant in English, it formally introduces the ensuing declaration.
• I am not able (לֹא־אוּכַל - lo' ukhal): "Not able" comes from the root יָכֹל (yakhol), meaning "to be able, prevail, endure." This is not a confession of weakness in character or spirit but a recognition of a practical limitation given the immense scale of the task. It demonstrates Moses' humility and reliance on divine wisdom rather than personal strength alone. It's a statement of pragmatic inability due to the sheer volume of responsibilities.
• to bear you (לְשֵׂאת אֶתְכֶם - laseyt etkhem): "To bear" (from נָשָׂא - nasa) implies carrying a heavy burden or responsibility. It encompasses the entirety of pastoral, judicial, and administrative care for the entire nation. This goes beyond physical carrying to the immense mental, emotional, and spiritual weight of leadership for millions. It signifies taking full responsibility for their welfare, their legal disputes, their moral guidance, and their logistical needs.
• myself alone (לְבַדִּי - levadi): This emphasizes the solitude of the burden. It explicitly states that the problem wasn't merely the "bearing" but the "bearing it alone." It signifies the necessity of shared responsibility and delegating tasks to make the leadership viable and sustainable, reinforcing the principle of distributing authority. This limitation paved the way for a more effective system of governance for the nation.

Deuteronomy 1 9 Bonus section

• Divine Approval of Delegation: While Jethro, a Midianite, initially proposed the idea in Exod 18, the fact that Moses recounts and re-emphasizes it here in his address, as something he himself said and implemented, suggests divine affirmation of the principle of shared leadership and delegation for the orderly governance of God's people. This highlights that wisdom for practical administration can come through various means and that God validates principles essential for community flourishing.
• Precedent for Church Governance: This passage provides an early Old Testament pattern for delegated authority that finds resonance in the New Testament church, notably with the appointment of the seven deacons in Acts 6 to assist the apostles. This continuity illustrates God's consistent design for leaders to equip and empower others, preventing burnout and ensuring effective ministry and administration.
• Moses' Humility: Despite being chosen by God for such a monumental task and being able to communicate directly with God, Moses openly admitted his personal limitation. This humility is a key characteristic of a godly leader, recognizing that ultimate strength and provision come from God, not self. It also contrasts with leaders who grasp for total control, often leading to their own detriment and harm to their communities.

Deuteronomy 1 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:9 encapsulates a foundational principle of effective biblical leadership: no single individual can unilaterally bear the immense burdens of governing or shepherding a large community. Moses' confession, "I am not able to bear you myself alone," is not a sign of inadequacy but an act of profound humility and a recognition of a practical reality. This statement directly precedes the account of the appointment of judges, reflecting God's wise design for shared responsibility, previously introduced in Exod 18 by Jethro's counsel. It teaches that wise leaders recognize their limits, seek divine guidance for delegation, and empower others to serve alongside them, thereby promoting justice and efficient administration for the common good. This approach aligns with the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where diverse gifts and roles contribute to the health and function of the whole (1 Cor 12).

• Example for practical usage: A pastor of a growing church recognizes he cannot counsel every member, manage all ministries, and prepare all sermons alone. He might confess, "I am not able to bear this church myself alone," and proceed to equip and delegate responsibilities to elders, deacons, and ministry leaders, fostering a shared leadership model.