“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by Moses to the Israelites regarding the establishment of a just legal system and the appointment of judges and officials. Let’s break it down and explore its meaning and significance.
“According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee”: The verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings and judgments derived from God’s law. The judges and officials were responsible for teaching and interpreting the law to the people. It underscores the idea that the law of God should be the foundation and guide for the administration of justice.
“According to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do”: The Israelites were commanded to follow the judgments rendered by the appointed judges. These judges were expected to act impartially, rendering decisions based on the law of God. The people were required to obey these judgments without deviation.
“Thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall show thee, to the right hand, nor to the left”: This phrase emphasizes the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial system and not deviating from the judgments pronounced by the authorized judges. It signifies that the judgments should not be swayed by personal bias, bribery, or any form of corruption. The Israelites were expected to respect and abide by the decisions of the judges without attempting to manipulate or influence them.
Overall, Deuteronomy 17:11 highlights the significance of a just legal system based on God’s law, where judges and officials play a crucial role in teaching, interpreting, and rendering judgments. The verse stresses the importance of obedience to the law and the judgments of the appointed authorities, ensuring fairness, integrity, and the proper administration of justice among the Israelites.
It’s important to note that while this verse specifically addresses the Israelites and their legal system at the time, the underlying principles of justice, impartiality, and obedience to God’s law can be applied to any society seeking to establish a fair and equitable legal system.
