Deuteronomy 16:20
Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Pursue justice, and justice alone
The Hebrew word for "pursue" is "רָדַף" (radaph), which conveys a sense of active, relentless pursuit. This is not a passive suggestion but a command to actively seek out justice in all aspects of life. The repetition of "justice" (צֶדֶק, tzedek) emphasizes its importance and purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, justice was foundational to societal stability and was seen as a divine attribute. The call to pursue justice "alone" underscores the exclusivity and priority of this pursuit over other interests or desires. It reflects God's character, as He is often described as a just and righteous judge throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 9:8).

so that you may live
The phrase "so that you may live" ties the pursuit of justice directly to the well-being and vitality of the community. In Hebrew, "live" (חָיָה, chayah) implies not just physical survival but thriving in a holistic sense—spiritually, morally, and communally. This reflects the biblical principle that righteousness and justice lead to life and blessing, while injustice leads to death and curse (Proverbs 11:19). The Israelites were reminded that their quality of life was contingent upon their adherence to God's standards of justice.

and you may possess the land
The promise of possessing the land is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, tied to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) implies taking ownership and stewardship. This was not merely a physical inheritance but a spiritual responsibility. The land was a gift from God, contingent upon Israel's obedience to His laws, including the pursuit of justice. This reflects the broader biblical narrative where the land is both a blessing and a test of faithfulness.

the LORD your God is giving you
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the promise. "The LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. The use of "your God" personalizes this relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique identity as God's chosen people. The verb "is giving" (נָתַן, natan) is in the present tense, indicating that God's promise is ongoing and active. It underscores the grace and generosity of God, who provides for His people not based on their merit but His covenantal faithfulness. This serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is not just a legal obligation but a response to God's gracious provision.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands His people to pursue justice.

5. Canaan
The geographical region that the Israelites are to inherit, contingent upon their obedience to God's laws.
Teaching Points
The Call to Justice
God commands His people to actively pursue justice, indicating that it is not a passive attribute but an active pursuit.

Justice as a Foundation for Life
The promise of life and possession of the land is contingent upon the pursuit of justice, showing its foundational role in God's covenant.

Justice in Community
Justice is not only a personal virtue but a communal responsibility, impacting the entire society.

Biblical Justice vs. Worldly Justice
Biblical justice is rooted in God's character and law, differing from secular or cultural definitions of justice.

Justice and Righteousness
The Hebrew word for justice, (tzedek), is closely related to righteousness, indicating that true justice aligns with God's righteous standards.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to "pursue justice" in Deuteronomy 16:20 relate to the overall covenant relationship between God and Israel?

2. In what ways can we actively pursue justice in our communities today, reflecting the biblical standard?

3. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the call to justice found in Deuteronomy 16:20?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's definition rather than cultural or personal biases?

5. How does the promise of life and possession of the land in Deuteronomy 16:20 connect to the blessings and responsibilities of being part of God's kingdom today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Micah 6:8
This verse emphasizes the requirement to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, echoing the call to pursue justice.

Amos 5:24
The prophet Amos calls for justice to roll on like a river, highlighting the importance of justice in the life of God's people.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, underscoring the weightier matters of the law.

Isaiah 1:17
This verse calls for learning to do right, seeking justice, and defending the oppressed, aligning with the pursuit of justice.

Proverbs 21:3
It states that doing what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice, reinforcing the priority of justice.
Civil JusticeN. Caussin.Deuteronomy 16:20
Justice in Small ThingsDeuteronomy 16:20
Justice the Decorum of the Character of JudgesAlex. Gerard, D. D.Deuteronomy 16:20
Impartial JudgesR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 16:18-20
Model JudgesJ. Orr Deuteronomy 16:18-21
The Administration of JusticeD. Davies Deuteronomy 16:18-22
People
Levites, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Alone, Altogether, Follow, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Guide, Hast, Heritage, Inherit, Justice, Livest, Mayest, Perfect, Possess, Possessed, Pursue, Righteousness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 16:20

     1075   God, justice of
     5360   justice, God
     5376   law, purpose of
     8245   ethics, incentives

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

     5238   bribery
     5361   justice, human
     5378   law, OT
     5593   trial

Deuteronomy 16:19-20

     8243   ethics, social

Library
The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100)
The beginning of the Christian Church is reckoned from the great day on which the Holy Ghost came down, according as our Lord had promised to His Apostles. At that time, "Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven," were gathered together at Jerusalem, to keep the Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks), which was one of the three holy seasons at which God required His people to appear before Him in the place which He had chosen (Deuteronomy xvi. 16). Many of these devout men there converted
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether Six Daughters are Fittingly Assigned to Gluttony?
Objection 1: It would seem that six daughters are unfittingly assigned to gluttony, to wit, "unseemly joy, scurrility, uncleanness, loquaciousness, and dullness of mind as regards the understanding." For unseemly joy results from every sin, according to Prov. 2:14, "Who are glad when they have done evil, and rejoice in most wicked things." Likewise dullness of mind is associated with every sin, according to Prov. 14:22, "They err that work evil." Therefore they are unfittingly reckoned to be daughters
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Pride Should be Reckoned a Capital vice?
Objection 1: It would seem that pride should be reckoned a capital vice, since Isidore [*Comment. in Deut. xvi] and Cassian [*De Inst. Caenob. v, 1: Collat. v, 2] number pride among the capital vices. Objection 2: Further, pride is apparently the same as vainglory, since both covet excellence. Now vainglory is reckoned a capital vice. Therefore pride also should be reckoned a capital vice. Objection 3: Further, Augustine says (De Virginit. xxxi) that "pride begets envy, nor is it ever without this
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Passing and the Permanent
'For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.'--ISAIAH liv, 10.-- There is something of music in the very sound of these words. The stately march of the grand English translation lends itself with wonderful beauty to the melody of Isaiah's words. But the thought that lies below them, sweeping as it does through the whole creation, and parting all things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am o jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of then that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.' Exod 20: 4-6. I. Thou shalt not
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king,
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
Presented to the World in a Familiar Dialogue Between Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Attentive. By John Bunyan ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture, of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King Charles II; a subject which naturally led the author to use expressions familiar among such persons, but which are now either obsolete or considered as vulgar. In fact it is the only work proceeding from the prolific
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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