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Commentary on Deuteronomy 16 verses 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, Exo 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. Here is a commission given to these inferior magistrates: "Judges to try and pass sentence, and officers to execute their sentences, shalt thou make thee." However the persons were pitched upon, whether by the nomination of their sovereign or by the election of the people, the power were ordained of God, Rom 13:1. And it was a great mercy to the people thus to have justice brought to their doors, that it might be more expeditious and less expensive, a blessing which we of this nation ought to be very thankful for. Pursuant to this law, besides the great sanhedrim that sat at the sanctuary, consisting of seventy elders and a president, there was in the larger cities, such as had in them above 120 families, a court of twenty-three judges, in the smaller cities a court of three judges. See this law revived by Jehoshaphat, Ch2 19:5, Ch2 19:8. 2. Here is a command given to these magistrates to do justice in the execution of the trust reposed in them. Better not judge at all than not judge with just judgment, according to the direction of the law and the evidence of the fact. (1.) The judges are here cautioned not to do wrong to any (Deu 16:19), nor to take any gifts, which would tempt them to do wrong. This law had been given before, Exo 23:8. (2.) They are charged to do justice to all: "That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, Deu 16:20. Adhere to the principles of justice, act by the rules of justice, countenance the demands of justice, imitate the patterns of justice, and pursue with resolution that which appears to be just. Justice, justice, shalt thou follow." This is that which the magistrate is to have in his eye, on this he must be intent, and to this all personal regards must be sacrificed, to do right to all and wrong to none.
II. Care taken for the preventing of all conformity to the idolatrous customs of the heathen, Deu 16:21, Deu 16:22. They must not only not join with the idolaters in their worships, not visit their groves, nor bow before the images which they had set up, but, 1. They must not plant a grove, nor so much as a tree, near God's altar lest they should make it look like the altars of the false gods. They made groves the places of their worship either to make it secret (but that which is true and good desires the light rather), or to make it solemn, but the worship of the true God has enough in itself to make it so and needs not the advantage of such a circumstance. 2. They must not set up any image, statue, or pillar, to the honour of God, for it is a thing which the Lord hates; nothing belies or reproaches him more, or tends more to corrupt and debauch the minds of men, than representing and worshipping by an image that God who is an infinite and eternal Spirit.
In another place: “You shall follow justly after that which is just,” lest we turn from justice, by asserting our own view of truth, recalling the experience of Saul and Agag.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 16:20 delivers a powerful and emphatic command for the people of Israel to pursue absolute and uncompromised justice in all their dealings. This divine mandate is presented not merely as a moral ideal but as an indispensable condition for their national flourishing, ensuring their continued existence and their secure inheritance of the land graciously bestowed upon them by the Lord their God. It underscores the profound link between righteous societal conduct and the sustained blessings of the covenant.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is Repetition, specifically the emphatic doubling of the Hebrew word tsedeq (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק) to form "altogether just." This is a powerful form of Emphasis, signaling that justice is not merely one virtue among many, but a foundational, absolute, and non-negotiable requirement. This repetition elevates the concept of justice to a supreme ethical standard, demanding uncompromising adherence. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Conditional Clause or Covenant Formula, implicitly stating "If you follow justice, then you will live and inherit the land." This structure clearly delineates the cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and blessing, a hallmark of Deuteronomic theology. The phrase "that thou mayest live, and inherit the land" also functions as a Merism, encompassing the totality of well-being and security promised within the covenant, from individual flourishing to national stability and territorial possession.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 16:20 is a profound theological statement, asserting that the very character of God, who is inherently just and righteous, must be reflected in the societal structures and individual conduct of His people. God's covenant with Israel was not merely a set of rules but an invitation to participate in His divine order, where justice serves as the bedrock of communal life and the conduit for divine blessing. The pursuit of "altogether just" is thus an act of worship, an embodiment of the covenant relationship, and a testament to God's desire for human flourishing. It reveals that true prosperity and security are not found in military might or economic prowess alone, but in a steadfast commitment to righteousness that honors God's name and upholds the dignity of all people. This principle resonates throughout the Scriptures, establishing justice as a core demand of faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 16:20 transcends its ancient context to offer a timeless and urgent call to all who seek to live in accordance with God's will. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not merely personal piety but has profound implications for how we engage with the world and contribute to the common good. To "follow altogether just" means to actively pursue integrity, fairness, and equity in every sphere of our lives—in our families, workplaces, communities, and in our advocacy for the marginalized. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for biases, to speak out against injustice, and to work towards systems that reflect God's impartial love and righteousness. The promise of "life" and "inheritance" in this verse, while originally tied to the physical land, now expands to encompass the rich, abundant life in Christ and the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom, reminding us that pursuing righteousness is the path to true flourishing and eternal blessing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "altogether just" truly mean in the context of this verse?
Answer: "Altogether just" translates the emphatic Hebrew phrase tsedeq tsedeq (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק), which literally means "justice, justice." The repetition of the word is a powerful Hebrew idiom used to convey absolute intensity, purity, and totality. It signifies an uncompromised, unwavering, and consistent pursuit of righteousness and fairness in every aspect of life. It's not just about legal compliance but about deep moral integrity, impartiality, and equity that leaves no room for corruption, bias, or partiality. It means justice that is pure, complete, and applied universally, reflecting God's own perfect character.
How is the "life" and "inheritance of the land" connected to pursuing justice?
Answer: In the Deuteronomic covenant, there is a direct and conditional link between Israel's obedience to God's commands, including the pursuit of justice, and their national well-being. "Life" (Hebrew châyâh) refers to a full, flourishing, and prosperous existence for the nation, marked by peace, security, and divine favor. The "inheritance of the land" refers to their continued, secure possession of Canaan, the land God promised to Abraham's descendants. This verse teaches that maintaining a just society is not merely a moral ideal but a practical necessity for national survival and prosperity. When justice is upheld, God's blessings flow, ensuring the nation's vitality and their secure dwelling in the land He graciously provided. Conversely, a society that abandons justice invites divine judgment and risks losing its blessings and even its land, as warned throughout Deuteronomy 28.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 16:20, with its emphatic call to "altogether just" living as the pathway to life and inheritance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel consistently struggled to perfectly embody the justice demanded by God's Law, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every righteous requirement. He is the embodiment of divine justice, living a life of absolute righteousness, free from sin, and demonstrating perfect impartiality and equity in all His dealings. The "life" promised in Deuteronomy—a full, flourishing existence—is supremely realized in Christ, who declares, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Furthermore, the "inheritance of the land" is transformed and expanded in Christ. Believers, through faith in Him, receive a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries—an eternal kingdom, a new heaven and new earth, and co-heirship with Christ (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 1:4). Jesus, the perfectly just one, not only provides the standard for righteousness but also, through His atoning sacrifice, imputes His righteousness to those who believe, enabling them to truly "live" and inherit the promises of God, not by their own flawed pursuit of justice, but by His perfect work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is the one who empowers His followers by the Spirit to pursue justice in a fallen world, reflecting His character until His kingdom comes in its fullness.