From the call to see as Yahweh sees, Moses now moves on to remind GenB of an occasion when leaders were appointed to help alleviate his burden of taking care of the people. The expression "at that time" might suggest that the incident occurred at about the same time as Yahweh's command to leave Horeb (recounted in the previous three verses). This expression (ba'et hahiw', in Hebrew), however, is used consistently in the book of Deuteronomy to refer only to the time of the event being recalled, without any consideration of its actual chronological connection with the preceeding incident.1 In fact, the only other account of the appointment of leaders to help Moses, recorded in Exo 18, placed the event just before they arrived at Horeb. We also need to keep in mind, as we read this recollection, that the account depicted here in Deuteronomy is a summary of the original event. Characteristic of Deuteronomy, it is recalled in a highly condensed form on the assumption that the hearers are already familiar with the event so that details are largely not necessary, except where they serve the purpose of the recollection. This explains there is no mention of Jethro's role here, which is given such elaboration in Exo 18. Similarly, the specific requisite qualities of the leaders are stated slightly differently.
Commentators are almost unanimous in their opinion that Moses's intention here is to make provisions for setting up the different levels of leadership and governance for Israel. Now it is important that the need for such leadership, and what makes for such leadership, should be taught to the congregation, and this passage has some useful things to say about such matters.2 It is just as important for us to recognize that, while Moses is not without concern about such provisions—he would provide clarifications about them later—such an explanation for this recall here is highly questionable. First, the various offices noted in this recount are left too vague to serve such a provision. One would have expected a more detailed "job list" for such purposes. Secondly, on the plains of Moab, these various levels of leadership and governance were already fait accompli for some four decades! We need to remember that this is a narrative recalling an event during which leaders were appointed. The need for, and the qualities of, good leadership is incidental to the recall. Moses is not here expounding on such a need and such qualities. What was Moses' (or the narrator's) purpose in recording this recall here must still, of course, be determined. I suggest that the best way to do this is, first, to work systematically through the passage before we make an attempt at such an explanation.
Low Chai Hok
©Alberith, rev., 2021