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You asked

what was the role of judges in ancient israelite society compared to today's legal systems?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, neither shall you take a bribe; for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. You shall follow that which is altogether righteous, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

This passage is part of Moses' farewell address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It lays out instructions for how they are to establish a just society once settled, emphasizing the importance of fair and impartial leadership.

How might our communities embody a pursuit of 'altogether righteous' judgment today, considering both individual actions and systemic structures?

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Read alongside it

  • Exodus 18:21-22

    Describes Jethro's advice to Moses to appoint judges to handle disputes among the people.

  • Psalm 82:3-4

    Calls for judges to defend the poor and fatherless, and do justice to the afflicted and needy.

  • Matthew 23:23-24

    Jesus critiques religious leaders for neglecting 'justice, mercy, and faithfulness' while focusing on smaller matters.

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