Shoftim: Judges and Justice
Parashat Shoftim lays out the foundations for a judicial system, emphasizing the importance of justice, integrity, and truth. It instructs the people of Israel to establish courts in every city to judge the nation with righteousness. At the core of this concept, judges are seen not merely as public officials, but as agents for implementing the will of G-d on earth.
This concept has a deep connection to the Seven Noahide Laws. The Noahide Laws form the universal moral system given to all of humanity, and one of the most central of these is the commandment of "Dinim" (Laws of Justice). This commandment requires all people to establish a legal system to enforce the other laws and ensure that the world is governed by a basis of justice and integrity.
In the Torah and Jewish tradition, there is a special emphasis on the integrity of judges. The severe warnings in the parasha—"Do not pervert justice," "Do not show partiality," "Do not take a bribe"—stem from the understanding that judges are the ones who put G-d's will into practice. Where there is no justice, there is no divine presence.
Just like the people of Israel, the Noahides are also commanded to establish a judicial system. The commandment of "Dinim" places upon them the responsibility to prevent anarchy and absolute chaos in the world. It obligates them to appoint judges and institute laws that will maintain social and moral order. In this system as well, the judges are those appointed to apply divine justice in the world.
The Torah emphasizes, "Justice, justice, you shall pursue, that you may live and possess the land." Righteous judgment is not only a means of maintaining social order but also a necessary condition for the world's existence. When the judicial system functions properly, the judges express divine providence over the world.
Parashat Shoftim, emphasizes the importance of righteous judgment, a core principle in the Noahide Laws. The judges are the ones who represent divine justice and implement it in practice, thereby becoming partners in the continued existence of the world.
Sources: Deuteronomy 16:18-20. Likutei Sichos Vol. 29 Parsha Shoftim.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation. A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions
Insights on the Torah portions for Noahides.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations
The judicial system isn't fit for purpose. It serves only those who have attached themselves to church or other organisations, the rich, those who know the system and can manipulate it, those who are clever with words and can manipulate those who are vulnerable, less articulate and knowledgeable and from less privileged backgrounds into a trap with clever wording and the right solicitor. Nice idea, not reality. The only justice we can ever truly trust in is from G-d! Humans are fallible and if you think otherwise, or that it will ever change, that is wishful thinking and you will be sorely disappointed! The reality is that all throughout our time on this earth, past, present and future, we will have an unjust system until the moshiach comes! We all have nice ideas of how things ought to be which we can carry out in our own actions, yet be astute enough to understand the world is not like that and life is unfair. The only One to turn to is G-d and things balance out accordingly. Love Him with all your heart and soul and follow His commandments, choose life! I say all this hypocritically as I still am learning not to moan, be resentful and angry. I believe it is called being refined, which is a long and arduous journey, yippee 😆