Deuteronomy 17:8
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;
Deuteronomy 17:8 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse in the Bible, found in Deuteronomy 17:8, addresses the idea of seeking higher wisdom and guidance in times of difficult judgment. It speaks to the importance of turning to the Lord for clarity and direction when faced with complex disputes or controversies within a community. By instructing individuals to go to the designated place chosen by God, it emphasizes the need for seeking divine intervention and spiritual guidance in times of uncertainty. This verse serves as a reminder that human judgment may sometimes be limited, and that turning to God for wisdom in challenging situations is essential. It encourages individuals to humble themselves and trust in the higher power for resolution and discernment when faced with difficult decisions.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase "too hard for thee in judgment" emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom when faced with difficult decisions or disputes. It implies that there are some matters that may be beyond our own understanding or ability to resolve. By turning to the place designated by God, we are acknowledging our dependence on Him and His divine wisdom to help us find a just resolution. The mention of "blood and blood, plea and plea, stroke and stroke" highlights the seriousness of the matters at hand, indicating that these disputes may involve significant harm or injury that requires careful consideration and fair judgment. Overall, this verse underscores the need for seeking divine wisdom and discernment in times of uncertainty or conflict, trusting that God's chosen place will provide clarity and righteousness in resolving disputes within the community.
Deuteronomy 17:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates; then shalt thou arise, and get thee up unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose;
World English Bible
If there arises a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates; then you shall arise, and go up to the place which Yahweh your God chooses.
Douay-Rheims
If thou perceive that there be among you a hard and doubtful matter in judgment between blood and blood, cause and cause, leprosy and leprosy: and thou see that the words of the judges within thy gates do vary: arise, and go up to the place, which the Lord thy God shall choose.
Geneva Bible (1599)
If there rise a matter too harde for thee in iudgement betweene blood and blood, betweene plea and plea, betweene plague and plague, in the matters of controuersie within thy gates, then shalt thou arise, and goe vp vnto the place which the Lord thy God shall chuse,