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Zakhor
The Bible · 48/54

Shoftim

The judges, the limits of the king, the witnesses, the conduct of war.

Hebrew name
שֹׁפְטִים
Book
Deuteronomy
Verses
Dt 16,18–21,9
Haftara
Is 51,12–52,12

« Justice, justice, thou shalt pursue »: the section organizes a limited power — the king is subject to the Law and must write a copy for himself, judges do not take gifts, a single witness is not sufficient. It also contains the prohibition against destroying the fruit trees of a besieged city, often cited as the first rule of restraint in war.