Text: Deuteronomy 1:9
OT Text Referred to: Exodus 18:13
Subject: appointing judges
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): None
Significance: Exodus 18:13 describes Moses sitting to judge (שָׁפַט, shafat) the people from morning until evening, and Deuteronomy 1:9 records Moses' retelling: "I said to you at that time, 'I am not able to bear you by myself.'" Both texts narrate the same event—the overwhelming burden of sole adjudication—but from different perspectives: Exodus presents Jethro's observation and advice, while Deuteronomy recasts it as Moses' own speech to the new generation. The Deuteronomic retelling omits Jethro entirely, attributing the judicial reform initiative to Moses himself, which reflects Deuteronomy's rhetorical purpose of presenting Moses as Israel's authoritative mediator and lawgiver.