Deuteronomy 1:13 — People Chose, Moses Appointed: Is There a Contradiction with Exodus 18?

Did Moses choose Israel’s judges, or did the people? Deuteronomy 1 tells the Israelites to choose qualified men from their tribes, while Exodus 18 says that Moses chose able men and appointed them as leaders. At first glance, it looks like a contradiction. But when we read Deuteronomy 1:13–15 carefully, we get a fuller picture: the people selected the men, and Moses formally appointed them. Both passages can therefore describe different parts of the same process. In Episode 291, we examine the qualifications given for these leaders, compare the process with the selection and appointment of the seven in Acts 6, and consider how critical scholars understand the differences between Exodus 18 and Deuteronomy 1. So, is this a contradiction—or simply two passages emphasizing different parts of the same event? Join me as we take a closer look at Deuteronomy 1:13 and see how the apparent difficulty can be resolved. References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following: buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith  The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page Email Address: [email protected]  Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI  DiMattei, Steven. “Who Initiates the Proposal to Appoint Judges: Moses or Jethro?” Contradictions in the Bible. https://contradictionsinthebible.com/who-initiates-the-proposal-to-appoint-judges-moses-or-jethro/ Farber, Zev. “The Opening of Devarim: A Recounting or Different Version of the Wilderness Experience?” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-opening-of-devarim-a-recounting-or-different-version-of-the-wilderness-experience Levinson, Bernard M. “The Founding of Israel’s Judicial System.” TheTorah.com. https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-founding-of-israels-judicial-system Bible Outlines. “Deuteronomy 1:9-18 – Preparing for Conquest by Establishing Delegated Leadership Structure.” https://www.bibleoutlines.com/deuteronomy-19-18-preparing-for-conquest-by-establishing-shared-leadership/