16:18-20
Back in Exodus we read of Moses, following Jethro’s advice, appointing judges to help him. Here Moses gives similar instructions regarding judges and officials for the various tribes and towns. They were to judge the people fairly. No partiality was to be shown. While favouring the rich and powerful is the greatest danger, the poor are also to be judged with fairness. No bribes were to be accepted, for these distort justice, and the vision of the judge. Worst of all, they twist the words of the innocent. Following justice was an essential prerequisite for living long in the land.
16:21,22
The chapter finishes with another warning against idol worship. In this case the emphasis is on not setting up an Asherah pole alongside the Lord’s altar. Outright apostasy is obviously a danger, but so is doing something else alongside worshipping God. This can fool us into thinking we are doing alright, believing that the worshipping God part somehow sanctifies the ungodly aspects. In truth, the ungodly aspect pollutes everything. God hates idol worship.
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