Shabbat Midrash (Teaching) Outlines

Righteous Judgement (According to Torah)

• Deut 16:18-20
• Not to distort justice
• Not to show favoritism
• Not to accept a bribe - blinds the eyes of the wise

*** Justice is fundamental to the maintenance of a Godly society. We have seen the effects of a perverted justice system all too often, and where justice is perverted, respect for God also does not exist. Corruption, bribery and all the things that make for un unjust society are all present in a judiciary or government that does not respect, honor and fear God. Sadly, this all too evident even in our courts and governments in America. ***

Mitzvot Concerning Worship (Deut 16:21,22-17:1)

• Not to erect an Aserah pole beside the mizbeach (altar of sacrifice)
• Not to set up a pillar (stone) beside the altar
• God hates such things - Thou shall not have any other gods before me
• Not to sacrifice a cow or sheep with defect or anything wrong with it - abomination to God would have perverted the type and shadow of the sinless Lamb of God that was to come

Dealing with Idolator (Deut 17:2-7)

• Transgressing his/her covenant - God looks at this as a personal decision
• Not to worship sun, moon or anything in the sky
• If someone is accused, the matter is investigated
• Accused brought to city gates
• Death sentence pronounced only if there is testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses - not just 1
• Accusers are the first to stone the idolator, then others join in
• This is a method to put an end to the wickedness

Safety in a Multitude of Counselors

• Deut 17:8-13
• When dealing with difficult cases, Moshe instructs the person to seek the counsel of the Levites, priests and the judge - together they will decide
• The judgement is to be carried out, not turning to the left or right (must be Torah-based)
• Anyone who does not pay attention to the verdict must die
• This will cause the people to fear and not act presumptuously (deterrent)

Guidelines and Requirements for a King

• Deut 7:14-20
• Appoint a king Adonai will choose
• Must be a kinsman - cannot be a foreigner (must be able to identify with the people)
• Not to acquire many horses
• Not acquire many wives
• Not to acquire excessive quantities of gold and silver
• The king is to write a copy of the Torah for himself and study it every day
• King will learn to fear Adonai and keep the words of the Torah
• Keep the king from thinking he is better than his kinsman
• Prolong his reign and that of his children - Generational Blessing!

*** The whole nation was considered guilty for the faulty courts and corrupt judges who were allowed to continue practicing law. ***

New Covenant Reference (I Cor 6:1)

• If any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints?

posted by Chris Phillips, Congregational Leader  # 9/16/2005