Deuteronomy 16:18
Deuteronomy 16:18 in Multiple Translations
You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, according to thy tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
You are to make judges and overseers in all your towns which the Lord your God gives you, for every tribe: and they are to be upright men, judging the people in righteousness.
Choose judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town that the Lord your God is giving you. They must judge the people fairly.
Iudges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy cities, which the Lord thy God giueth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall iudge the people with righteous iudgement.
'Judges and authorities thou dost make to thee within all thy gates which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee, for thy tribes; and they have judged the people — a righteous judgment.
You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.
Thou shalt appoint judges and magistrates in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God shall give thee, in all thy tribes: that they may judge the people with just judgment,
“Appoint judges and other officials throughout your tribes, in all the towns in the land that Yahweh our God is giving to you. They must judge people fairly/justly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 16:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 16:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֹׁפְטִ֣ים
וְ/שֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים
תִּֽתֶּן
לְ/ךָ֙
בְּ/כָל
שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יְהוָ֧ה
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
נֹתֵ֥ן
לְ/ךָ֖
לִ/שְׁבָטֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
אֶת
הָ/עָ֖ם
מִשְׁפַּט
צֶֽדֶק
שֹׁפְטִ֣ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
וְ/שֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים
shôṭêr
H7860
official
Conj | V-Qal
תִּֽתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
לִ/שְׁבָטֶ֑י/ךָ
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מִשְׁפַּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
צֶֽדֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 16:18
שֹׁפְטִ֣ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
וְ/שֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים
shôṭêr
H7860
"official"
Conj | V-Qal
This word refers to a high-ranking official or officer, often translated as 'officer', 'overseer', or 'ruler'. In the Bible, it describes a person with authority and responsibility, such as a scribe or magistrate.
Definition: (Qal) official, officer
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: officer, overseer, ruler. See also: Exodus 5:6; Deuteronomy 31:28; Proverbs 6:7.
תִּֽתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
שְׁעָרֶ֔י/ךָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יְהוָ֧ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
נֹתֵ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
לִ/שְׁבָטֶ֑י/ךָ
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/שָׁפְט֥וּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מִשְׁפַּט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
צֶֽדֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 16:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 16:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:18
Context — Judges and Justice
16Three times a year all your men are to appear before the LORD your God in the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.
17Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.
18You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
19Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 20Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 23:4 | “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, |
| 2 | Exodus 18:25–26 | So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves. |
| 3 | Romans 13:1–6 | Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to submit to authority, not only to avoid punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 17:9 | You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 21:2 | your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. |
| 6 | Exodus 21:6 | then his master is to bring him before the judges. And he shall take him to the door or doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he shall serve his master for life. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 19:17–18 | both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 19:5–11 | He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Moreover, Jehoshaphat appointed in Jerusalem some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt. Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!” |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 1:15–17 | So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes. At that time I charged your judges: “Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident. Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 26:29 | From the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. |
Deuteronomy 16:18 Summary
In Deuteronomy 16:18, God instructs the Israelites to appoint judges and officials to judge the people with righteous judgment. This means that these leaders are to make fair and just decisions, without favoring certain people or groups, and without taking bribes (as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19-20). This is an important part of creating a just and fair society, and it's something that we can still learn from today, as we seek to follow God's commands and live out our faith in a way that honors Him (see Micah 6:8 and Matthew 23:23). By following God's instructions and seeking to promote justice and fairness, we can create a more loving and compassionate community that reflects God's character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of appointing judges and officials in Deuteronomy 16:18?
The purpose is to ensure that the people are judged with righteous judgment, as God commands in Deuteronomy 16:18, and to maintain justice and fairness in the community, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 and Exodus 18:13-27.
How are these judges and officials to conduct themselves?
They are to judge the people with righteous judgment, without denying justice or showing partiality, and without accepting bribes, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:19-20 and supported by Proverbs 24:23-25.
What is the significance of the phrase 'righteous judgment' in this verse?
Righteous judgment refers to judgment that is fair, just, and in accordance with God's laws and standards, as seen in Leviticus 19:15 and Deuteronomy 10:17-19.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Deuteronomy?
This verse is part of the larger theme of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws and the establishment of a just and fair society, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:1-8 and 5:1-22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek to promote justice and fairness in my own community, in light of Deuteronomy 16:18?
- How can I ensure that I am treating others with righteousness and fairness in my daily interactions?
- What are some potential consequences of not appointing wise and just leaders, as warned against in Deuteronomy 16:19-20?
- How can I personally pursue justice and righteousness, as commanded in Deuteronomy 16:20, and what role can I play in promoting these values in my community?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges and officers shall thou make thee,.... Judges were fixed in the sanhedrim, or court of judicature, and those that have lawsuits come before them; officers are masters of the staff and whip,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Judges and officers.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
Judges; chief magistrates to examine and determine causes and differences. Officers, who were inferior and subordinate to the other, to bring causes and persons before them, to acquaint people with the mind and sentence of the judges, and to execute their sentence, ,9 Joshua 1:10,11 3:2,3. In all thy gates, i.e. thy cities, which he here calls gates, because there were seats of judgment set. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
Deuteronomy 16:18 Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.Ver. 18. With just judgment.] Heb., With judgment of justice. Ut fiat iustitia, runt coelum. Let heaven and earth be blended together, rather than magistrates be drawn to deal basely. It is reported by a late traveller, that in Zante, over the place of judgment, these two Latin verses are written on the wall in letters of gold: - “ Hic locus odit, amat, punit, conservat, honorat, Nequitiam, pacem, crimina, iura, bonos. ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
(18) Judges and officers.—A fresh section of the book, as read in the synagogues, begins with these words. The land is now considered as the seat of the Kingdom of Jehovah, to the end of ch. 18. See Introduction for a complete analysis, and comp. Joshua 23:2, which shows that these magistrates were already appointed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
Verse 18. Judges and officers shalt thou make] JUDGES, שפטים shophetim, among the Hebrews, were probably the same as our magistrates or justices of the peace. OFFICERS, שטרים shoterim, seem to have been the same as our inquest sergeants, beadles, &c., whose office it was to go into the houses, shops, &c., and examine weights, measures, and the civil conduct of the people. When they found any thing amiss, they brought the person offending before the magistrate, and he was punished by the officer on the spot. They seem also to have acted as heralds in the army, Deuteronomy 20:5. See also Rab. Maimon in Sanhedrin. In China, for all minor offences, the person when found guilty is punished on the spot, in the presence of the magistrate or mandarin of justice.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 16:18
II. Second Division of the Laws: the Officers of the Theocracy—Deuteronomy 16:18-20 … Deuteronomy 17:8-18 Five Laws on Judges and Justice, Appeal to the Sanctuary, the King, the Priests, the Prophets; interrupted by an isolated group of laws on the Worship, Deuteronomy 16:21 to Deuteronomy 17:7. Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Of Judges and Justice Judges with officers are to be appointed in every locality but according to tribes. Justice is to be pursued with strict impartiality.—Sg. Steuern. regards Deuteronomy 16:18 alone as original on the grounds that while it commits the discharge of justice to special Judges , vv. Deuteronomy 16:19 f. addresses the whole people as responsible for it; and that while Deuteronomy 16:18 presupposes Israel’s occupation of the land, Deuteronomy 16:20 b promises this as the reward of the people’s justice. But the former variation, though a possible, is not a certain, mark of diversity of authorship. The same author, after instituting the judges, might well address to the whole people his enforcement of the principles which were to inspire the institution, especially since (as we shall see) he left to the popular courts part of the duty of discharging justice. Deuteronomy 16:20 b, a couple of deuteronomic formulas, may well be a later scribe’s malapropos addition to the original law.
There is no reason for doubting the integrity of the rest. Deuteronomy 16:19 is a close, but not exact, quotation from E. On the substance of this law see notes to Deuteronomy 1:9-18.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 16:18
These verses are closely connected in subject with the following chapter, and introduce certain directions for the administration of justice and the carrying on of the civil government of the people in Canaan.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 16:18
18. In the administration of justice, when the Israelites should be settled in the Promised Land, there was need of a stable form of government.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 16:18
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption |
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(Pdf Book) Touching Godliness Through Submission by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound importance of submission to God and His delegated authorities, arguing that true godliness is rooted in humility and obedience. He highlights |
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Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and |
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Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday | This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and |
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A Look at Authority 1: Spiritual & False by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of authority in serving. He refers to Mark 10:45, where Jesus states that he came not to be served, but to serve and give his li |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |