Judges Must Bear the Public Burden and the People Must Give Them Honor

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 18:24

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Moses chose able men out of all Israel" (Exodus 18:25). He appointed judges over them, and he commanded the judges that they should bear the burden of the community, as the matter is stated, "And I commanded your judges at that time" (Deuteronomy 1:16). And he commanded the people that they should treat the judges with honor, as the matter is stated, "And I commanded you at that time all the things that you should do" (Deuteronomy 1:18).

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