In a striking departure from prevailing notions of kingship in both the ancient Near East and early Israel, Deuteronomy introduces the separation of powers among distinct branches of government and subjects all political actors—including the monarch—to the rule of Torah. In effect, Deuteronomy provides a blueprint for the modern concept of the rule of law. These principles rest on an even more revolutionary idea: the establishment of an independent judiciary.
Prof.
Bernard M. Levinson
,
,
Up until recent times, throughout the Near East, communities and their leaders were held responsible for crimes committed in their vicinity.
Prof.
Gary A. Rendsburg
,
,
The Book of Chronicles updates and reinterprets Deuteronomy’s court system.
Prof.
Yigal Levin
,
Parry Moshe
,
Deuteronomy’s legal system is complex, combining descriptions of how law actually functioned with elements of ideal law.
Prof.
Yigal Levin
,
Parry Moshe
,
YHWH commissions Isaiah to distract the people of Judah so that they continue to sin and then YHWH can punish them harshly. In contrast to other biblical figures such as Abraham and Moses, Isaiah is silent at this injustice.
Prof.
Marvin A. Sweeney
,
,
