# Shoftim: Justice, Kingship, and the G-D Who Is Near

Parashah Shoftim (sho-FEEM)—“Judges”—calls us to remember that justice is not merely a civic ideal; it is an expression of the holy character of G-D. In Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9, Moses instructs Israel to appoint judges, reject corruption and idolatry, seek the Lord’s direction, and live under righteous leadership.

At the heart of the portion is one piercing command:

 “Justice, justice you shall pursue, so that you may live and inherit the land that Adonai your GOD is giving you.”   —Deuteronomy 16:20

The repetition is not accidental. Justice must be pursued continually, deliberately, and without partiality. The Hebrew word “tzedek” carries the sense of righteousness, rightness, and integrity. G-D’s people are not simply called to admire justice; we are commanded to chase after it. As we see in our present time justice must be pursued and not just assumed. We are a people called to advance and advocate for justice that is not polluted or redefined to meet cultural ideas. Justice is easily lost in the mellee.

A People of Righteous Judgment

Moses tells Israel to appoint judges and officers “in all your gates” (Deuteronomy 16:18). The gates of an ancient city were places of commerce, community, counsel, and legal decisions. In other words, righteousness was meant to shape the public life of Israel—not remain confined to private spirituality.

This is still the call upon the people of G-D. Our faith in the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob should affect how we speak, how we lead, how we handle conflict, how we treat the vulnerable, and how we respond when others are treated unfairly. But it is clear that we are not favor any person whether they are in a place of advantage or disadvantage. But justice is to be honorable and not perverted.

The Torah warns against twisting judgment, showing favoritism, or accepting bribes. A bribe, Moses says, blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous (Deuteronomy 16:19). Corruption does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it enters through self-interest, fear of people, tribal loyalty, convenience, or the desire to protect our own reputation.

But ADONAI sees clearly.

We live in an age filled with competing voices, strong opinions, and public outrage. Yet the disciple of Yeshua must not allow the noise of the crowd to replace the voice of the Shepherd. We are called to discernment—not reaction; truth—not propaganda; mercy—not compromise; justice—not vengeance.               

The King Israel Needed

In Deuteronomy 17, Moses anticipates that Israel will one day ask for a king. The king was not to be like the rulers of surrounding nations. He was not to multiply horses, wives, or wealth for himself. Instead, he was commanded to write a copy of the Torah and read it all the days of his life.

Why? So that his heart would not become lifted up above his brothers and I believe it was necessary to help him hear the voice of the Shepherd.

This is a profound picture of godly leadership. True authority is not self-exaltation. It is submission to the Word of G-D. A leader who walks humbly before ADONAI recognizes that every position of influence is one of stewardship.

Yeshua is the righteous King Israel—and the nations—needed. He did not gather wealth, military power, or political status. He came in humility, riding on a donkey. He washed the feet of His disciples. He touched lepers, welcomed children, defended the oppressed, and willingly gave His life as an offering for sin.

He is the King of kings, yet He is also the Servant King.

Where earthly rulers often use power to elevate themselves, Messiah uses authority to restore, heal, and redeem. His kingdom is righteous because its King is righteous.

 The Prophet Like Moses

Shoftim also contains one of the most significant Messianic promises in the Torah:

 “A prophet like me will ADONAI your GOD raise up for you, from your midst, from your brothers. To Him you must listen.”  —Deuteronomy 18:15

Moses was Israel’s deliverer, mediator, teacher, and shepherd. Yet he pointed beyond himself to the One who would come.

Yeshua is that promised Prophet like Moses—but greater than Moses. Moses delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt; Yeshua delivers us from bondage to sin and death. Moses gave the Torah to Israel; Yeshua reveals the fullness of Torah in perfect obedience and interpretation. Moses interceded for the people; Yeshua lives to intercede for all who come to G-D through Him.

When the Father spoke from heaven at Yeshua’s transfiguration, He said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” The words echo the command in Shoftim: “To Him you must listen.”

The question for us is simple but searching: Are we listening?

Not merely hearing His words, but obeying them. Not merely admiring Messiah, but yielding our lives to His reign. Not merely speaking of justice, but walking in righteousness when no one else is watching.

Spiritual Warfare and Holy Courage

Deuteronomy 20 speaks of Israel facing enemies in battle. The instruction is striking: “Do not be afraid of them, for ADONAI your GOD, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you” (Deuteronomy 20:1).

Israel’s confidence was never supposed to rest in numbers, weapons, horses, or human strength. Their confidence was to be in the G-D who redeemed them.

This speaks powerfully to spiritual warfare. We face battles that may not be visible: fear, discouragement, accusation, temptation, grief, division, and weariness. The enemy would have us count our weaknesses and conclude that defeat is inevitable.

But the Ruach ha Kodesh reminds us: “ADONAI is with us.“

The victory does not depend on our natural strength. It depends on the faithfulness of the G-D who goes before us. Messiah has overcome the world. Through His death and resurrection, He has disarmed the powers of darkness and opened the way for us to stand in faith.

We do not fight for victory; we stand in the victory of Yeshua.

Pursuing Justice Through the Spirit

Shoftim is not simply a parashah about courts, kings, prophets, and armies. It is a call to covenant faithfulness. It asks us whether the government of G-D has truly taken root in our hearts.

Are we pursuing “tzedek” (righteousness) in our homes, ministries, workplaces, and congregations?

Are we treating people with fairness and compassion?

Are we allowing the Torah of G-D to humble us before it instructs others through us?

Are we allowing the Torah of G-D to humble us before it instructs others through us?

Are we listening to the voice of Yeshua (do we recognize it through His Torah), the promised Prophet and righteous King?

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live this calling. Apart from Him, justice can become harshness, leadership can become pride, and zeal can become fleshly striving. But when the Ruach HaKodesh fills us, He produces the fruit of righteousness: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The justice of G-D is never cold. It is holy, merciful, and redemptive.

May we be a people who pursue justice—not for applause, not for self-righteousness, and not for political gain—but because we belong to the righteous Judge of all the earth.

May we bow before King Messiah Yeshua.

May we listen to His voice.

And may we walk by the Spirit, pursuing justice until the day when the King returns and establishes His righteous kingdom from Jerusalem.

“Justice, justice you shall pursue.” 

 —Deuteronomy 16:20

Prayer: 

Avinu Malkeinu, our Father and our King, purify our hearts from partiality, pride, fear, and compromise. Teach us to pursue justice with humility and mercy. Help us to listen to Yeshua, our Prophet, Priest, and King. Fill us afresh with Your Ruach HaKodesh, that we may stand courageously in every battle and reflect Your righteousness in every place You have called us. In the name of Yeshua our Messiah, amen.