“If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the Lord thy God shall choose.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), attributed to Moses. It contains a recapitulation of the law given by God to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 17 addresses the establishment of a system of justice and the appointment of judges and kings in Israel.
Legal Matters:Deuteronomy 17:8 deals with situations where legal disputes arise that are too difficult for local judges to decide. These matters involve matters of controversy, including cases between individuals or families (blood and blood), conflicting legal claims (plea and plea), or personal injuries (stroke and stroke). In such instances, the people were to seek a higher court.
The Higher Court:The verse instructs the Israelites to go to the place that the Lord their God would choose. This refers to the central sanctuary, which later became the temple in Jerusalem. The sanctuary was seen as a place of divine presence and authority. Therefore, the higher court was likely to be situated near the temple or the dwelling place of God.
Seeking Resolution:When facing a difficult case, the Israelites were to take the matter to the appointed judges in the designated place. These judges, chosen by God, were expected to possess greater wisdom and insight in resolving complex disputes. They would provide guidance and judgments based on God’s law.
Application:While this verse has specific relevance to the Israelites and their judicial system in ancient times, it offers some broader lessons for believers today. It emphasises the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from a higher authority when faced with challenging decisions or unresolved disputes. This can be applied to seeking godly counsel, consulting scripture, or seeking guidance through prayer when dealing with difficult matters.
Christological Perspective:In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the ultimate judge (John 5:22). Believers can approach Him in prayer and seek His wisdom and guidance when faced with challenging situations. Additionally, the Church, as the body of Christ, provides a supportive community where believers can seek counsel and support when faced with difficult decisions or disputes.
