6 September 2024
Week of 1-7 September 2024
Torah portion: Deuteronomy 16 :18-21 :9 Haftarah: Isaiah 51 :12-52 :12
Theme: Of Justice, Community, and Life
In this Torah portion, three salient threads are seen to be interlaced. The first thread speaks of justice and a brand of leadership that we can call today integrity-driven and virtuous leadership. This type of leadership is characterized by integrity, fairness, and a commitment to justice. Deut: 16:18-17:13 and 17:14-20 focus on establishing and functioning responsible leaders within Israel, including judges and kings. The judges and officials “shall judge the people fairly” (Deut 16:18). In so doing, they ought to “not pervert justice or show partiality” (Deut 16:19), for they are wise. If not, they cease to have “eyes of the wise” (Deut 16:19). What is being emphasized, therefore, in these passages are impartiality, justice, and adherence to divine law. On the other hand, the king, the one whom “the Lord your God chooses” (Deut 17:15), must observe and practice justice by harnessing moral uprightness, integrity, and proper restraint. Such moral uprightness or integrity is seen in how the king refrains from accumulating wealth like silver and gold (Deut 17:17), living the word and spirit of the law: “he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law” (Deut 17:18) and “to read it all the days of his life” (Deut 17:19). Such a salient thread underscores the values of moral integrity and the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice in the community, demonstrating that governance is not merely a political act but a sacred duty.
The second thread is about keeping the community holy and away from the possible influence of pagan practices which are “detestable” such as sacrificing “their son or daughter in the fire; those who practice divination or sorcery, interpret omens, engage in witchcraft” (Deut 18:10). In order to safeguard the purity of God’s community against possible contamination by pagan influence, priests were chosen to perform sacred rituals and maintain the sanctity of the community, while prophets were tasked with delivering divine messages and guiding the community on the right path. The holiness and separation of God’s community from “the ways of the nations” (Deut 18:9) can be seen as a call for God’s community to maintain their distinct character and faith as God’s chosen people.
The third thread is about communal responsibility towards the sustenance and preservation of the sanctity of life. The passages deal with protecting community members against unjust treatment and accusations by adhering to the rules of community law where “to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense…must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deut 19:15). In this way, one’s life is safeguarded against those with malicious or evil intentions. Some rules concerning cities of refuge, the boundaries of property (Deut 19:14), and the conduct of war (Deut 20:9) are designed to protect the innocent and the vulnerable and ensure that justice is served while minimizing unnecessary loss of life. Before engaging in battle, the instructions for war, such as those who are “fainthearted,” and “afraid,” the “unmarried men,” and “vineyard planters” (Deut 20:6-8), and the like, underscore a preference for life over destruction. These passages remind us of how God and his chosen people who were concerned about the well-being of their community and the right treatment of others, even in conflict situations.
For Reflection and Discussion:Â 1. How might the passages on leadership (judges and kings) inspire contemporary leaders to approach their roles with a greater sense of responsibility and humility? 2. How does the call to holiness and distinctiveness challenge or resonate with how communities today define and preserve their identity in a diverse world?
Bibliography: Bible. New International Version
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Ben Carlo N. Atim, Philippines, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2023
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