Tag: Parashat Shoftim

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Impartial judgment: The Torah’s blueprint for ethical leadership (Deuteronomy 16, 19)

"Impartial judgment: Torah's blueprint for ethical leadership" (Deuteronomy 16, 19). Adobe Firefly AI image of an ancient near east man with a white beard reading a stack of parchments with a New York City-like Central Park and skyline seen in the background.

Are we truly responsible for one another? We’ll see in this study of the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18-21:9) that leaders must take accountability for justice — even when a crime seems distant or unsolvable. The laws of ancient Israel aren’t just relics; they reveal a universal call to judge righteously, without bias or self-interest. Whether it’s the murder of an unknown victim or the integrity of our daily decisions, the Torah insists we recognize the divine mandate for justice.

In a world increasingly detached from morality, these lessons feel more urgent than ever. Righteousness isn’t optional. It’s essential.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Shoftim (שפטים): Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Studies in Torah

Shadows of the prophet status and crucifixion of the Messiah appear in the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18-21:9). In a section of the Bible focused on codes of justice still used in modern society, there also is hope for the greatest mercy the world has ever seen, in Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).

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Discussions Torah

How to respect authority the Bible way (Deuteronomy 16:18–18:22)

How to respect authority the Bible way (Deut. 16:18-18:22)

The practical application of the Fifth Commandment to honor one’s mother and father (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16) goes far beyond our parents. In the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18–21:9) and via the teachings of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ), we learn that this instruction also applies in our we interact with and respect those who have power over us.

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Discussions Torah

Heavenly guidance for making righteous judgments (Deuteronomy 16–19)

Is it OK to mix the practices of other religions with the worship of God? How far must we go in following the instructions of leaders and judges? These are the sobering lessons on the standards of Heaven and earthly authorities raised in the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18–21:9). Learn more through this Bible study.

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9: Judge shopping and other travesties of justice the LORD hates

Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) said, “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30 NASB). But how do we learn the will of the Father by which Yeshua judges?

As Yeshua lived by “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4; Deut. 8:3), so can we. The Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deut. 16:18–21:9) is all about how judges and officers of justice should conduct themselves. 

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9: Learn to judge life & death righteously & mercifully

Even the Supreme Court will have to answer to a higher authority someday. Photo by Freeimages.com/David Lat

There are shadows of Messiah in the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges,” Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9), even down to the ceremony when a community is unable to bring a murderer to justice. There are levels of investigation and a careful pursuit of justice and a balance between the rights of the “avenger” and the rights of the accused.

In Shoftim, Moshe (Moses) elaborates on practical application of the Fifth and Sixth commandments. One lesson is that if you do not have respect for your parents, you lose respect for all kinds of authority, from the babysitters to teachers, employers, police officers, judges, prophets and priests. That disrespect will go all the way up the chain of authority to God Himself.

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9: Shadows of ‘the Prophet’ and death of the Messiah

Yeshua chose 12 Apostles to be His closest students and confidants. After His Ascension, they also became His ambassadors. All who believe in Yeshua believe because of them. (Photo by www.LumoProject.com)

Shadows of the prophet status and crucifixion of the Messiah appear in the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges”), covering Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9. In a section of the Bible focused on codes of justice still used in modern society, there also is hope for the greatest mercy the world has ever seen, in Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).