Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18 - 21:9)

The portion is named , Shoftim, literally "judges", because it
begins with God's command to the people to appoint judges in every town.

This week's portion begins with the command to appoint judges and officials in every town, so as to ensure a just legal system for the people. The judges are commanded not to show partiality and not to accept bribes. One example of a case that may be brought before such local judges is accusations of idolatry. In this case and in any other case that requires a death penalty, there must always be at least two witnesses accusing the defendant in order to convict. Later in the portion it is made clear that there must always be at least two witnesses, and there is a death penalty for people who conspire to falsify testimony in order to convict someone innocent. In cases that are too difficult to be decided locally, the judges in the central worship place are to reach the verdict.

After entering their land, the Israelites may decide to set a king over the people as all other nations have. There is a list of restrictions and commands for this king, in order to make sure that he does not gain too much power and obeys God's laws.

The Canaanites whom the Israelites will dispossess are known for turning to soothsayers and diviners for advice. The Israelites are commanded not to do so, and to trust God's prophets, as long as they are proven to be true prophets.

One of the commandments for the Israelites is to create refuge cities for people who kill without intent. This is a repetition and expansion of the same commandment discussed previously in the portion of Masei.

When going out to war, the people are commanded not to be afraid because God is fighting for them. However, some are exempt from war: one who has built a new house and not yet dedicated it, one who has planted a vineyard and not yet enjoyed its fruit, one who is engaged but not yet married, and those who are fearful and may have a bad influence due to their fears.

When approaching a far-off city in war, the Israelites are commanded to first offer terms of peace. If these are accepted, the people will not be hurt and will serve the Israelites in forced labor. If the terms are not accepted, all the men are to be killed and the city confiscated. However, the close cities of Canaan cannot enjoy this option, and must be totally destroyed. When fighting against a city, the Israelites are forbidden to destroy trees that bear fruit.

At the end of the portion, a special law concerning a body found in the field when there are no murder suspects is brought: the elders of the surrounding towns are to perform a complex ceremony, declare that they had no part in the murder, and ask God for forgiveness for the people amongst whom the murder was committed.