John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 1:9

"And I spake unto you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:" — Deuteronomy 1:9 (ASV)

And I spoke to you at that time. He does not say here that the counsel regarding the appointment of the judges was suggested to him from another source; but, perhaps, he dared not mention any name to these proud and perverse people, for fear that they might reject what was otherwise good, from dislike of its author, as a foreigner.

No doubt he is here recounting what had happened before; therefore he confesses himself, from his own personal feelings, unequal to bearing the burden, if he alone is set over the whole people. He presents as the cause the immense multitude among whom many disputes and controversies must necessarily arise.

Regarding what he says about their increase, the beginning of this period should not be dated from the Exodus. Instead, he highlights the extraordinary and incredible favor of God, because they had so greatly multiplied under the cruel tyranny when they had been doomed to total destruction. He also adds a prayer that for the future the same blessing might continue with them.

Yet, in these words, he reminds them that the burden of government would become daily more arduous and weighty, by which he might more readily persuade them to prepare at once for what could not ultimately be avoided.