Running after Justice

Following a week of a parsha filled with laws, and continuing the speech about blessings and curses, Parashat Shoftim gives tangible instructions for a newly solidifying society to appoint judges. The verses begin to lay out how they are to judge in certain cases. These instructions move into the allowance for a king in the future, along with guidelines for a royal leader. Moses tells the people that their king should know the scriptures through their being copied for his reading/hearing, and should follow the law of G!d.

“You must be complete with the L!rd your G!d.”

As part of the injection to follow G!d completely as they enter the promised land, Moses also tells the Israelites of the promise for a prophet. Biblical prophets were often understood as leaders, although in today’s society, this concept seems far-off. After studying the biblical prophets for many years, thinking about modern-day prophecy, and comparing these to other stories of prophecy, this section really piqued my interest as I reread the parsha. In our society, we think about getting ready for new presidents and other governmental leadership, new religious leaders of our congregations – but if someone told you, “Get ready for a new prophet – oh, and here’s what you should look for/expect,” what would your reaction be? I’m imagining a lot of quizzical looks.

But it is in this passage that Moses tells the people how to test their prophets – by the trustworthiness of their promises. He assures them, through G!d’s instruction, that if a prophet promises something in G!d’s name, it will surely come about – and if it doesn’t, they are not a true prophet. Additionally, the prophets, like the kings, will come from the Israelites rather than outside the people. Why? Does G!d only talk to the Israelites? Is it dangerous for them to look outside their society? (The answer in this narrative and time can be answered yes, since there are many other injunctions against getting too close in government and intimacy with other nations.) These few verses certainly don’t frame the entire passage, but I found them interesting to think about this week.

“Justice, justice you shall pursue.”

Yesterday I listened to a friend practice her sermon for Saturday, ending with a focus on this line from the parsha this week. Pursue – the word in Hebrew indicates that we are running after justice, not simply looking for the concept or following justice wherever it is needed. We are searching for justice and chasing it, seeking to right the wrongs of the world. Perhaps the end goal isn’t perfect justice administered by us (since indeed, we are not perfect), but the lifelong pursuit of bringing G!d’s world back to equilibrium.

This week I’m hosting (along with my roommate) the first Shabbat dinner in my Cincinnati house. I’m excited to have several friends join us for prayer, food, conversation, reflection, and rest.