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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.

Deuteronomy 16:18 · King James Version

Meaning

According to this verse from the Book of Deuteronomy, God instructs the Israelites to appoint judges and officers in every city that He has given them. These judges are tasked with ruling over the people with righteousness and fairness. The purpose of having judges and officers at each gate of the city is to ensure that justice is readily accessible to all members of the community. By distributing judicial authority throughout the tribes, God intended to establish a system where disputes could be resolved fairly and swiftly. This verse highlights the importance of having a just legal system in place to maintain order and harmony within the community. It teaches us the significance of having leaders who are committed to upholding justice and making impartial decisions. As believers, we are reminded to seek justice in our own lives and to support institutions that promote fairness and equality. Through this verse, God sets a standard for how His people should govern themselves and treat one another.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Deuteronomy, the command is given to appoint judges and officers in every gate of the city to ensure that justice is upheld among the people. The concept of judges and officers is significant in the context of biblical interpretation, as it reflects the importance of having a fair and impartial legal system in place to govern society. The word "judges" (Hebrew: שֹׁפְטִ֖ים) refers to those who are appointed to make decisions and settle disputes based on the laws and principles of God. The word "officers" (Hebrew: שֹֽׁטְרִ֖ים) denotes those who are responsible for enforcing the judgments made by the judges. Together, judges and officers work to ensure that the people are judged with just judgment, emphasizing the idea of righteous and fair treatment for all individuals. This commandment highlights the importance of justice and equity within the community, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in harmony and righteousness.

Deuteronomy 16:18 in other translations

American Standard Version

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.

World English Bible

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.

Douay-Rheims

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,

Geneva Bible (1599)

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.