Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges
Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 19:14–20:9
My Thoughts:
Hashem created a fair and just judicial system and commandments. His people how to utilize this. In verse 20 we read why Hashem is very strict about disobedience to His laws, “Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you.” He is setting an example for others. It’s one thing to tell a child the consequences of disobedience but when the punishment is enacted it is clear to the child and his/her siblings the severity of disobeying. It shows everyone what will happen if we do not follow Hashem’s instructions. We know for sure that Hashem loves all of His creation, but it is also clear that He wants the people who follow Him to be dedicated and loyal servants. He is explaining the way to accomplish this. It may seem “harsh” but sometimes harshness is the only way people will listen. Right?
Challenge:
What a wonderful testimony and promise in verse 20:1, “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Hashem your Elohim is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” Hashem’s people were about ready to enter the Land of Israel. A place that they had never been before. A land filled with people who followed false gods. As He is laying out the plan to inhabit this land, He makes a promise about being with them every step of the way. Of course, when Hashem calls us to new places and new plans it can be very scary. But, here is a strong promise that when we see problems that feel really big and impossible, that we need to seek His face and ask Him for guidance and protection. If you are facing a “giant” today, ponder on this particular verse. Try and believe that Hashem will be with you through it all. Have faith that Hashem “has your back”!
Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 19:14–20:9
19:14 You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that Hashem your Elohim gives you to possess.
15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established. 16 If an unrighteous witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, 17 then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Hashem, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days; 18 and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother, 19 then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you. 20 Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and will never again commit any such evil among you. 21 Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
20 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Hashem your Elohim iis with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 2 It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, 3 and shall tell them, “Hear, Israel, you draw near today to battle against your enemies. Don’t let your heart faint! Don’t be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; 4 for Hashem your Elohim is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
5 The officers shall speak to the people, saying, “What man is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. 6 What man is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used its fruit? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man use its fruit. 7 What man is there who has pledged to be married to a wife, and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.” 8 The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, “What man is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart melt as his heart.” 9 It shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of the people.
