Shoftim
Parshat Shoftim
In this morning’s Torah reading, Moses continues to review the code of proper ethical and moral behavior. This portion contains laws regarding judges, kings, idol worship, priests and Levites, criminal law and warfare.
First Aliyah - Deuteronomy chapter 16:18-17:13 pp. 820-823
Moses tells the people that there are to be judges in every city. The famous dictum “justice, justice, shalt thou pursue” is emphasized. The people must abide by the decisions of the judges.
Second Aliyah 17:14-20 pp. 823-825
Laws regarding a king. The king is not to have many wives, nor be exceedingly wealthy. The king is supposed to study the Torah constantly.
Third Aliyah - 18:1-15 p. 825
Since the priests and Levites do not have an inheritance of land in Israel, the people are to set aside a certain amount of food for them every year.
Fourth Aliyah - 18:6-13 pp. 825-827
Laws against idolatry, divination, and sorcery.
Fifth Aliyah - 18:14-19:13 pp. 827-829
God will appoint a prophet for the people. The people are to listen to him and not the sorcerers. Also, three cities of refuge are to be set aside for those who commit involuntary manslaughter.
Sixth Aliyah - 19:14-20:9 pp. 829-832
Tribal and family boundaries are set in perpetuity. Two witnesses are needed for conviction. When the people go to fight in Israel they are not to fear being outnumbered because God will be with them. When going to war certain people are exempt: those who have just built a new house, just planted a vineyard, just become engaged, or the faint-hearted.
Seventh Aliyah - 20:10-21:9 pp. 832-835
Before going to war Israel must always seek a peaceful solution. When going to war and setting siege, the fruit trees of the city must not be cut. The portion concludes with the law regarding an unidentified corpse.
Maftir - 21:7-9 p. 835
Haftorah - Isaiah 51:12-52:12 pp. 835-839
This prophecy foresees the day when Israel will return from exile and serve as the force of salvation for all mankind.
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