Deuteronomy 16.18—18.22: Meeting the Challenge of Towns and Nations

Abstract

Historical-critical analysis sees Deut. 16.18—18.22 as a move by deuteronomistic reformers to effect a distribution of power in Israel and/or to curb the power of the monarchy. A recent detailed synchronic analysis argues that the pericope formulates a political `constitution' designed to enshrine Israel's status as a liberated people. This study argues that the passage aims to maintain Israel's unswerving commitment to the Torah in the challenging new situation of living in towns in the land and in proximity to surrounding nations. It does so by turning potential threats to the Deuteronomic ideal into things that will enhance Israel's status as YHWH's special possession, a people set apart.