Shoftim
Shoftim | שופטים | Judges
Torah Reading: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9
This Torah portion is primarily focused on giving a basic societal framework for ancient Israel. Moses lists laws concerning judges, kings, Levities, prophets, cities of refuge, trial witnesses, warfare, and unsolved murders.
We are told in 1 John 4:1 and other passages to “test” the message of a teacher or prophet to see if what they say is truly from God. The reason is that “many false prophets have gone out into the world” and are leading believers astray. What are some of the identifying marks of a false teacher/prophet?