By Matt and Jake
Shabbat Lounge: Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 – Judges and the Principles of Justice
By Matt and Jake
Welcome to another edition of Shabbat Lounge! This is Matt and Jake here, and today we’re diving into the Torah portion of Shoftim, which comes from Deuteronomy 16:18 through 21:9. We encourage you to pause this podcast and read through the Torah portion yourself. It’s vital to read the scriptures before listening, so you’re fully engaged with the teaching. Once you’ve done that, feel free to come back and join us for this deep dive into the text!
The Importance of Justice
In this Torah portion, we begin with a discussion on justice. Deuteronomy 16:19 clearly states, “You shall not pervert justice, you shall not show partiality.” Yahweh is no respecter of persons, and the importance of impartial justice is emphasized. In the Book of James, we see a similar command not to show partiality, and it’s important to understand that these teachings are closely related.
A recent teaching we did on “Blind Justice” presents a fresh perspective on this concept. Blind Justice is often viewed as a good thing, but when we examine it through a Biblical lens, it’s actually shown to be problematic. In scripture, justice must not be blind to the truth, but rather guided by it. Justice should always have its eyes on the principles of Yahweh’s law.
The Principle of Two or Three Witnesses
Another key principle in this portion is the rule that a matter must be established by two or three witnesses. In Deuteronomy 19:15, we are reminded that one witness is not enough. This principle is also seen in the New Testament, specifically in John 8, when Yeshua is presented with a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees bring her before him, claiming Moses said to stone such women, but Yeshua challenges them, saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” This shows how, even in difficult situations, Yahweh’s justice and mercy go hand in hand.
This concept of two or three witnesses also points to the idea of validating truth through multiple perspectives, whether in human testimony or in the scriptures themselves. In fact, Yahweh often sends multiple witnesses to confirm His will and His warnings to Israel.
The Role of Kings and the Importance of Humility
Moving on, Deuteronomy 17:14-20 outlines how Israel was to choose a king. It’s interesting to note that Yahweh doesn’t explicitly command Israel to have a king. Instead, He provides guidelines for when they inevitably ask for one. The king must come from among the people, must not acquire excessive wealth or power, and must remain humble, keeping the Torah close to his heart.
This passage is often misinterpreted as a divine command for Israel to always have a king, but it’s actually more of a concession. Yahweh acknowledges their desire for a king, but He sets boundaries on how the king should govern. The key takeaway here is that leadership, both in Israel and in our own lives, should always be characterized by humility and adherence to Yahweh’s law.
Possession of the Land and Obedience
The concept of “possession” appears repeatedly in Deuteronomy, especially in relation to the land of Israel. Over 50 times in Deuteronomy, the word “possess” is used, highlighting the importance of both occupying and living in the land, but also living in obedience to Yahweh’s commandments. Yahweh promises blessings, but only if the people adhere to His ways. Without obedience, the land is not fully theirs.
This ties back to the notion that possession is not just about owning land or property, but about living rightly in it, according to Yahweh’s commands. We’ve seen that when Israel fails to do this, they suffer the consequences. This same principle applies to our lives today—obedience is essential for experiencing the fullness of Yahweh’s blessings.
Wicked Kings and the Dangers of Magic
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 contains a warning against the practices of divination and witchcraft. This is a crucial teaching, as it reminds us that magic is not only a sin, but it’s also a real force that should be avoided at all costs. The Bible clearly instructs us to stay away from those who engage in these practices.
While some people might dismiss magic as mere illusion or fantasy, scripture is clear: it’s real, and it’s something to be avoided. The practice of magic, child sacrifice, and other forms of abomination were common among the Canaanite nations, and Yahweh wanted His people to stay far from these detestable acts.
Guarding the Commandments and Loving Yahweh
One of the most important points in this Torah portion is the idea of guarding the commandments. In Deuteronomy 19:9, we are commanded to keep Yahweh’s laws and to love Him by doing so. Guarding the commandments is not a passive act; it’s an active demonstration of our love for Yahweh. Just as we guard the things we cherish, so too should we guard His laws in our hearts and lives.
Yeshua, in Matthew 5:48, echoes this by calling us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. This perfection isn’t about flawlessness, but about faithfully observing Yahweh’s commandments, just as the king was commanded to do in Deuteronomy 17:19. When we live according to the commandments, we demonstrate our love for Yahweh and for others.
The Role of the Blood Avenger and the City of Refuge
The concept of the blood avenger is introduced in Deuteronomy 19:11-13. This is a position held by someone who seeks justice for the death of a family member, especially in cases of manslaughter. This is an interesting point, as it ties into the idea of restitution and justice, and we can see a connection between this and the idea of Yeshua as our ultimate redeemer.
The City of Refuge, where those guilty of manslaughter could seek safety, is a powerful reminder of Yahweh’s mercy and justice. It’s also a foreshadowing of Yeshua, who provides refuge for those who repent and seek His mercy.
Sandal Covenant and the Need for Integrity
Deuteronomy 19:14 introduces the concept of the sandal covenant, which was used to settle disputes regarding land ownership. The act of removing a sandal and giving it to someone else symbolized a legal agreement. Today, we might not fully understand the significance of this, but it was a serious act in biblical times, showing the need for integrity and honesty in all our dealings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shoftim teaches us powerful principles about justice, leadership, and obedience. Whether we are talking about the impartiality of justice, the importance of adhering to Yahweh’s commandments, or the need for integrity in our relationships and dealings, these lessons are timeless. As we continue to explore the Torah and its teachings, let us strive to apply these principles to our own lives.
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Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time!
Shabbat Shalom!
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