48 Shof’tim (Part A) - Judges - Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

48 Shof’tim (Part A) - Judges - Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

From Deuteronomy (Messianic) Vol.I by Torah Teacher Ariel ben-Lyman HaNaviy

November 3, 2025 · 35 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the concept of Oral Torah and its significance in understanding legal matters within the context of Deuteronomy.

Establishing Halakhah Chapter 17 of this parashah talks about the details surrounding official, legal matters. Of particular interest is the subject dealt with in verses 8-13. To be sure, the sages of old understood this to be talking about the matter of halakhah and the authority of what is known in rabbinical circles as “Oral Torah”. And just what is Oral Torah and why do we Christians need to know? I shall explain why below, but first, a treatment of what has come to be known as Oral Torah in Judaic circles must come first. Oral Torah: “Torah sh’be’al peh” Although the Written Torah seems to be precise in its description of legal codes and commandments, it would be impossible to write down every conceivable human behavior and ascertain whether or not the Torah allowed each one. Concerning the prohibition of work on the Sabbath, for example, we notice that nowhere in the Torah is there a definition of what constitutes labor (Heb: melachah) on the Sabbath and what does not. Amos (8:5) and Jeremiah (17:21-24) mention keeping the Sabbath in concrete terms—forbidding trading and bearing a burden—but it is impossible to enumerate all the probable behaviors and circumstances and give…

Topics covered

  • Halakhah
  • Oral Torah
  • Judges
  • Sabbath

Keywords

  • Deuteronomy
  • legal matters
  • rabbinical authority

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Oral Torah, Torah sh’be’al peh, Torah

Places: Jerusalem

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