Deuteronomy 1:16

“And I charged your judges at that time, etc.] When they were appointed and constituted, even the heads and rulers before spoken of; this charge is also new, and not recorded before: saying, hear the causes between your brethren; hear both sides, and all that each of them have to say; not suffer one to say all he has to say, and oblige the other to cut his words short, as the Targum of Jonathan paraphrases it; but give them leave and time to tell their case, and give the best evidence they can of it: and judge righteously; impartially, just as the case really appears to be, and according to the evidence given: between every man and his brother; between an Israelite and an Israelite: and the…”

“The stranger - That converseth or dealeth with himn. To Such God would have justice equally adtninistred as to his own people, partly for the honour of religion, and partly for the interest which every man hath in matters of common right. Deuteronomy 1:17”

“1:16-17 Be . . . impartial (literally Do not notice faces): People appearing before the court should be treated as though they were wearing a mask to conceal their identity. Judges were not to be influenced by rich and powerful persons in the community but were to judge on the basis of God’s own impartiality (10:17) and treat all persons equally under the law.”

“charged: Deu 27:11, Deu 31:14; Num 27:19; Th1 2:11; Ti1 5:21, Ti1 6:17 Hear: Deu 16:18, Deu 16:19; Exo 23:2, Exo 23:3, Exo 23:7, Exo 23:8; Lev 19:15; Sa2 23:3; Ch2 19:6-10; Psa 58:1; Joh 7:24 the stranger: Deu 10:18, Deu 10:19, Deu 24:14; Exo 22:21, Exo 23:9; Lev 24:22 Deuteronomy 1:17”