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Deuteronomy 16:18 - Establish righteous courts everywhere.

Deuteronomy 16:18 - דברים 16:18

Hebrew Text

שֹׁפְטִים וְשֹׁטְרִים תִּתֶּן־לְךָ בְּכָל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ לִשְׁבָטֶיךָ וְשָׁפְטוּ אֶת־הָעָם מִשְׁפַּט־צֶדֶק׃

English Translation

Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God gives thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.

Transliteration

Shoftim veshotrim titen-lecha bechol-she'areicha asher Adonai Eloheicha noten lecha lishvateicha veshaftu et-ha'am mishpat-tzedek.

Hebrew Leining Text

שֹׁפְטִ֣ים וְשֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים תִּֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ בְּכׇל־שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ לִשְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם מִשְׁפַּט־צֶֽדֶק׃
שֹׁפְטִ֣ים וְשֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים תִּֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ בְּכׇל־שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ לִשְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם מִשְׁפַּט־צֶֽדֶק׃

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Parasha Commentary

Establishing a Just Judicial System

The verse (Devarim 16:18) commands the appointment of judges (שֹׁפְטִים) and officers (שֹׁטְרִים) in every city to uphold justice. Rashi explains that "שֹׁפְטִים" refers to those who adjudicate legal matters, while "שֹׁטְרִים" are the enforcers who ensure compliance with the judges' rulings. This dual system ensures both proper judgment and its execution.

Location of Courts

The phrase "בְּכָל־שְׁעָרֶיךָ" (in all your gates) refers to the cities' entrances, where courts were traditionally situated (Sanhedrin 7b). Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:2) elaborates that every city with at least 120 inhabitants must establish a beit din (court) of 23 judges, while smaller towns require a court of three.

Divine Mandate for Justice

The verse emphasizes that these appointments are "אֲשֶׁר ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ" (which Hashem your God gives you), indicating that establishing justice is a divine obligation. The Sifrei (Devarim 144) teaches that neglecting this duty is tantamount to rejecting God’s sovereignty.

Righteous Judgment

The concluding phrase "מִשְׁפַּט־צֶדֶק" (righteous judgment) underscores the Torah’s demand for impartiality. The Talmud (Shabbat 10a) states that a judge must view all litigants as wicked initially but treat them as righteous once the verdict is rendered. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 21:1) further warns against any bias, even favoring the disadvantaged.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Judicial authority must be decentralized to ensure accessibility (Rashi).
  • Enforcement mechanisms are essential for a functioning legal system (Ibn Ezra).
  • Courts must operate with absolute integrity, as they represent divine justice (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 16b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the appointment of judges and the requirement for righteous judgment in Jewish communities.
📖 Sotah 42a
The verse is referenced in the context of the qualifications and responsibilities of judges in Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 16:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 16:18 commands the Jewish people to appoint judges and officers in every city to uphold justice. According to Rashi, 'judges' (שֹׁפְטִים) are those who decide legal cases, while 'officers' (שֹׁטְרִים) enforce the judges' rulings. The Torah emphasizes that justice must be administered fairly ('righteous judgment') in all Jewish communities.
Q: Why is appointing judges and officers important in Judaism?
A: Appointing judges and officers is fundamental to maintaining a just society, as the Torah requires fair legal systems in every Jewish community. The Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:1) explains that courts ensure Torah law is followed properly. Without proper judges, society could descend into chaos, as justice preserves peace and order.
Q: What can we learn from 'they shall judge the people with righteous judgment'?
A: The phrase 'righteous judgment' teaches that judges must rule without bias, favoritism, or corruption. The Talmud (Shabbat 10a) states that a judge who judges truthfully becomes a partner with Hashem in creation. This verse reminds us that justice must be impartial and based on Torah law.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish communities today?
A: Even today, Orthodox Jewish communities establish rabbinical courts (Beit Din) to adjudicate disputes according to Halacha (Jewish law). The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 1:1) outlines the requirements for judges, showing that the Torah's command for righteous justice remains timeless and essential for Jewish life.
Q: What are the 'gates' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'gates' refer to the cities or settlements of the Jewish people. In ancient times, courts were often held at city gates (as seen in Ruth 4:1). Rashi explains that 'gates' symbolize centers of authority, meaning every Jewish community must have its own judicial system to uphold Torah law.