16 At the same time I gave strict instructions to your judges: "Hear the cases brought between your brothers, and make sure you are fair when you judge between a man and his brother or a foreigner living among you. 17 Don’t show any favoritism when you judge—treat the powerful and the common people just the same. Don’t let anyone intimidate you, because judgment is done on God’s behalf. Bring me any case that is too hard for you, and I will hear it."