48 - Torah Portion: Shoftim ("Judges") — שׁוֹפְטִים
Portion Summary:
In this forty-eighth week's Torah portion, Shoftim (שׁוֹפְטִים), meaning "Judges," the focus is on justice and leadership within the Israelite community. This portion introduces several categories of leadership: judges, kings, priests, and prophets, setting guidelines for each to ensure justice and adherence to YHVH's covenant.
A significant highlight is the commandment for Israel's future kings to write a personal copy of the Torah, reflecting the responsibility to govern according to YHVH's word. This commandment echoes the role of the Messiah, who embodies the Torah in human form, bringing divine law to life. As the living Word, Y'shua inscribes the Torah on the hearts of believers, fulfilling the covenant promise.
The portion also emphasizes the need for humility in leadership, warning against self-exaltation and calling leaders to act in service, as Y'shua exemplified. In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul describes this new covenant, where the Torah is written on "tablets of human hearts."
TORAH:
Deuteronomy 16:18-21: Appointing judges to ensure justice.
Deuteronomy 17:1-20: Laws for kingship, the requirement to write the Torah.
Deuteronomy 18:1-22: Establishment of priests, Levites, and the prophecy of a coming prophet like Moses.
Deuteronomy 19:1-21: Cities of refuge, property boundaries, and justice.
Deuteronomy 20:1-20: Rules of war, trusting in YHVH.
Deuteronomy 21:1-9: Atonement for unsolved murder.
Deuteronomy 7:2: Command to show no mercy to those occupying the land.
NEVI'EM:
Isaiah 51:12: Comfort from YHVH to His people.
Isaiah 52:12: Assurance of YHVH's protection.
Zephaniah 3:1-4: Warnings against corrupt leaders.
GOSPELS AND EPISTLES:
John 14:9-20: Y'shua as the way to the Father, unity with YHVH.
Romans 12:1-2: A call for renewal and holy living.
1 Corinthians 14:33: YHVH is a Father of Shalom, not confusion.
John 13:5-17: Y'shua washes the disciples' feet, a lesson on humility.
Matthew 23:8-12: Warning against titles and seeking honor, emphasizing humility.
Ephesians 4:11-15: Purpose of leadership for the growth of the body of Messiah.
Matthew 7:15-20: Recognizing leaders by their fruits.
APOCRYPHA:
Jasher 19:1-20:112: Insights on the ancient path of righteousness.
Testament of Levi 1:1-15; 2:1-5: Levi's calling and the establishment of the priestly line.
Jubilees 9:14-15; 10:27-30: Warnings regarding land boundaries and the sanctity of inheritance.
Notes:
Property Boundaries:
(Deuteronomy 19:14) warns against moving ancient boundaries, echoing the account in Jubilees of the land divisions among Noah's sons. Violating property boundaries was one of the sins of the Canaanites, leading to YHVH's command for Israel to conquer them (Deuteronomy 7:1-2).
Titles and Humility:
Y'shua warned against using titles like "Father" and "Teacher," encouraging a heart of humility over titles. True leaders, according to Y'shua, are servants who uplift rather than elevate themselves.
A Prophet Like Moses:
(Deuteronomy 18:15-19) prophesies a "Nevi" (נָבִיא, prophet) like Moses. This prophetic figure, fulfilled in Y'shua, is characterized by a unique closeness to YHVH and a divine calling to guide Israel.
Comparison of Moses and Y'shua:
The Torah presents Moses as a unique prophet, and Deuteronomy prophesies of another like him. The parallels between Moses and Y'shua affirm this:
Moses survived the killing of infants (Exodus 1:22-2:10), and Y'shua did as well (Matthew 2:13-18). Both were opposed by their families (Numbers 12:1; Mark 3:20-21). Both served as mediators and intercessors, with Moses atoning for Israel (Exodus 32:30) and Y'shua as the ultimate atonement (Matthew 20:28). Both displayed humility, with Moses as the most humble on earth (Numbers 12:3) and Y'shua calling for meekness (Matthew 11:29). Both demonstrated miracles, rescued Israel from bondage, and walked in miraculous provision (Exodus 14; Matthew 14:15-21).
Through these parallels, it becomes evident that Y'shua is the Nevi like Moses, fulfilling the role as mediator and prophet for all people.
Questions:
What stands out to you in this portion?
Can you see how Y'shua fulfills the prophetic role described in Deuteronomy 18?
How do the Torah's principles of justice and humility apply today?
How can we, in our roles, mirror the humility of the Messiah as described in this week's portion?
Shoftim emphasizes YHVH's call for a just and humble leadership rooted in His commandments, pointing forward to the ultimate example of righteousness in the Messiah.
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