Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. (Deuteronomy 16:18)
Literally, “appoint for thyself.” Compare the appointment by Moses of judges to settle disputes among the people (Ex. 18:21-26; Deut. 1:12-18).
In all thy gates.
Or, “in all your towns” (RSV). This refers to the appointment of local judges. Judicial procedure was later augmented by the appointment of the priests as a court of final appeal (ch. 17:8, 9).
Just judgment.
Literally, “judgments of righteousness” (see ch. 1:16).