That which is altogether just shalt thou follow ,.... Or "justice", "justice" F1 צדק צדק , strict justice, and nothing else: that thou mayest live and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee ; that is, continue in the possession of it. read more
Verse 20 20.That which is altogether just (131) By an emphatic repetition God inculcates that judges should study equity with inflexible constancy; nor is this done without cause, for nothing is more likely to happen than that men’s minds should be clouded by favor or hatred. Besides there are so many quibbles whereby justice is perverted, that, unless judges are very cautious in watching against deception, they will often find themselves ensnared. read more
Moses had at an earlier period appointed judges to settle disputes among the people, and had given instructions to them for the discharge of their duty ( Exodus 18:1-27 ; Deuteronomy 1:12-18 ). Whilst the people were in the wilderness, united as one body and under the leadership of Moses, this arrangement was sufficient; but a more extended arrangement would be required when they came to be settled in Canaan and dispersed in towns and villages over the whole land. In prospect of this,... read more
(See Homily, De 10:17—11:1, "God no respecter of persons.") read more
Impartial judges. We have here the election of judges or magistrates laid down as a duty. In the election they are to secure impartial and incorruptible men. A bribe is not to be thought of by the judges—nor are they to respect persons. And here let us notice— I. THAT ALL JUDGMENT AMONG MEN IS THE FORESHADOWING OF A DIVINE JUDGMENT AT THE LAST . We live under a moral Governor who has not yet delivered final judgment upon his creatures. That final review of... read more
Model judges. I. JUDGES OCCUPY A HIGH AND RESPONSIBLE POSITION . 1. They are necessary. They require to be set up "in all thy gates … throughout thy tribes." 2. They represent God ( Deuteronomy 1:17 ). They are called "gods" ( Psalms 82:1 ). They are clothed with a portion of God's authority ( Romans 13:1 ). 3. They are set to uphold the sacred interests of justice. 4. They may, by wresting judgment, or by hasty and wrong decisions, inflict irremediable... read more
The administration of justice. True religion is related to true morality as the parent is related to the child. God cares as much that right dispositions should prevail between man and man as between man and God. By an eternal decree, religion and morality have been conjoined, and no man can put them asunder. He that loves God will love his brother also. I. THE ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIAL JUSTICE IS ENTRUSTED TO IMPERFECT MEN . The laws of the Jews were framed in... read more
That which is altogether just ; literally, justice , justice . The repetition of the word is for the sake of emphasis, as in Genesis 14:10 , "pits, pits," equal to full of pits. read more
These verses are closely connected in subject with the following chapter, and introduce certain directions for the administration of justice and the carrying on of the civil government of the people in Canaan. During the lifetime of Moses, he himself, especially inspired and guided by God, was sufficient, with the aid of the subordinate judges (compare Exodus 18:13 ff), for the duties in question. But now that Moses was to be withdrawn, and the people would soon be scattered up and down the... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 16:18-22
Here is, I. Care taken for the due administration of justice among them, that controversies might be determined, matters in variance adjusted, the injured redressed, and the injurious punished. While they were encamped in the wilderness, they had judges and officers according to their numbers, rulers of thousands and hundreds, Exod. 18:25. When they came to Canaan, they must have them according to their towns and cities, in all their gates; for the courts of judgment sat in the gates. Now, 1.... read more