9 At that time I spoke to you. I said, "You are too heavy a load for me to carry alone.
10 The Lord your God has increased your numbers. Today you are as many as the stars in the sky.
11 The Lord is the God of your people. May he increase your numbers a thousand times. May he bless you, just as he promised he would.
12 But I can't handle your problems and troubles all by myself. I can't settle your arguments.
13 "So choose some wise men from each of your tribes. They must understand how to give good advice. The people must have respect for them. I will appoint those men to have authority over you."
14 You answered me, "Your suggestion is good."
15 So I took the leading men of your tribes who were wise and respected. I appointed them to have authority over you. I made them commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. I appointed them to be officials over the tribes.