Deuteronomy 1:9-18
Those who lead God’s people must be committed fundamentally to the promotion of righteousness. Righteous administration demands uncompromising fairness for all, without respect to the social standing of the persons involved. As Leviticus 19:15 recognizes, the righteous administration of justice may easily be derailed by showing either deference to the rich and powerful or sentimentality toward the poor (cf. Deut. 10:17; 16:19; 24:17).
Moses’ inclusion of aliens reminds us that those who adjudicate on covenantal matters must be blind to status, race, and citizenship. It may be too much to expect that the world will operate this way, but the current climate of hatred toward specific people groups offers the church a glorious opportunity to display the compassion of God himself (Deuteronomy 10:17).
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