Definition: And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 1:16. It’s a really important part of how God wants to govern people and treat them fairly. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling his leaders – specifically the judges – to be fair and just when dealing with everyone, especially those who are new or different from the rest. Let's unpack each part: “And I charged your judges at that time…” - This means God is setting a clear standard for how he wants his judges (people in charge of enforcing God’s law) to act. “…saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren…” – "Hear" means listen and understand. So, this part says that the judges need to listen carefully to what’s happening between people who are family members (brethren) – like siblings or close friends. They need to understand why things are going wrong. “…and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother…” - This is a crucial point. "Righteously" means fairly and justly. So, the judges need to make sure everyone gets treated equally – both brothers and sisters and even people who aren’t family. “…and the stranger [that is] with him.” – This is where it gets a little more complex. "Stranger" refers to people who are not part of your own family or community. This means that the judges have to be fair to those who are different from everyone else – like travelers, immigrants, or those living outside of their usual group. In short: God wants his leaders to be impartial and treat everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their background or where they come from. It’s about upholding the law and ensuring justice for all people. Why is this important? This verse lays the foundation for a system of laws and rules that God uses to guide his people. It's about showing love and compassion to everyone, even those who might not deserve it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give an example of how this verse applies today?