Rulers in God’s Israel (Deuteronomy 1:9-15) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Various Offices
II. The Key Elements
Martin Luther: “He calls them [i.e., rulers] ‘known’ because they should be known among the people; much more, however, because they should be experienced and acquainted with affairs, so that you may understand well-known and knowledgeable to be the same. They are the wise men who understand affairs divine and human, especially those who know the statutes and laws and all that is necessary for the life of the people. In Hebrew those are called ‘understanding’ who are watchful and keep looking out with sharp judgment and vigilant mind, so that they may judge properly and sensibly about all matters and practice moderation. For many things trick the wise unless they are also understanding, and many things deceive them unless they are also experienced and knowing ... You see, therefore, that in divine Law no account is taken of the rich, powerful, noble, strong, and friendly, for handling public office, as is the custom of the world; but of the wise, understanding, and experienced, even if they are poor, lowly, weak, etc. ... This is the highest and most difficult virtue of rulers, namely, justice and integrity of judgment. For it is easy to pronounce judgment on poor and common people; but to condemn the powerful, the wealthy, and the friendly, to disregard blood, honor, fear, favor, and gain, and simply to consider the issue—this is a divine virtue. Nor does any ruler do this unless by the Holy Spirit he is given courage through faith in God” (Lectures on Deuteronomy, pp. 18, 19).
Philip Ryken: "Israel had a representative form of spiritual government, but it was not a democracy. We can only imagine how disastrous it would have been for the Israelites to be governed by the will of the people! Imagine what would have happened when they reached the Red Sea, or when they ran out of water, or when the Amalekites attacked them. In each case, it would have been a complete disaster, and the Israelites would never have reached the Promised Land. This is because God's people are not capable of governing themselves. We have always needed divinely-appointed spiritual leadership - representatives called by God ... Some pastors and elders are hard to love; nevertheless, we have a responsibility before God to love them. The reason is because of their work: They are God's servants. Therefore we love and obey them, not because we have very much confidence in them, but because we have complete confidence in Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of the church, and thus we are willing to submit to his plan for its government" (Exodus, pp. 447, 451).