Deut. 16:18-21:9
Précis: The parasha Shoftim (literally, “judges”) is devoted primarily to various themes of justice, and includes warnings against false testimony, idol worship, and the dangers posed by mortal kings. The parasha also warns the people against false prophets, magicians, soothsayers and witches. It establishes requirements for cities of refuge in the Promised Land. In short, the parsha is devoted to ways to create a just society in the Land of Israel.
Deut. 17:18 “When he (the king) is seated on his royal throne, he shall have a copy of this Teaching written on a scroll by the Levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read it all his life…”
Written thousands of years ago, our Torah remains a vital source for how modern societies are to act. Here, we see that the Jewish king is to have a scroll of the law beside him. Clearly, the intent is that the King is bound by that law. The king is to study -and be held to - the same law as that which applies to all of the people.
We live in a world which, increasingly, appears to be led by rulers who are ignorant of the law, or merely believe that the law does not apply to them. As Chief Justice Roberts has recently opined, no one – including the President of the United States – is above the law.
While the Chief Justice did not cite this verse, it is clear that our nation is (at least) in theory identical to the government envisioned in the Torah: a government of laws, applicable to all.
