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.
You must not show favoritism when making decisions in court. Listen to both the poor and the powerful with equal attention. Don't be intimidated by anyone, because you are making God's decisions, not your own. If a case is too difficult for you to handle, bring it to me and I will decide it.
Moses is telling the judges to treat everyone fairly regardless of their status, because they represent God's justice, and to bring the hardest cases to him personally.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is delivering his final speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness. This verse is part of God's instructions for the judges and officials that Moses appointed to handle disputes among the people, ensuring an orderly society as they transition from nomadic life to settlement. It reflects the cultural emphasis on justice in ancient Israelite law, where impartiality was crucial to maintain social harmony and reflect God's character.
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