ARTICLES

Emergency Safe Haven Restored

In June, the world witnessed Iran’s missile strikes on Israel that shook cities and towns across the nation. The city of Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, was among those hit hardest.

One rocket damaged nearby neighborhoods, leaving destruction in its wake. An apartment complex with 20 families was spared from direct impact, but when residents rushed to the bomb shelter, they found it in shocking disrepair.

The air was thick with mildew, the lights were out, and the stairs were crumbling. Elderly residents could not descend safely, leaving them without real protection in the midst of crisis.

Even months later, Israel continues to face threats from Iran and its terror proxies across the region. Families know they must remain prepared.

Thanks to the compassion of friends like you, CBN Israel quickly partnered with Tenufa baKehila, or “Building Hope.” This dedicated group continues to repair and restore shelters throughout the Holy Land.

Under the leadership of director Gabi Nachmani, the team worked quickly. Gabi said, “We want every person to feel safe. By tonight, families will be able to come here, breathe fresh air, and know they are secure.”

He added, “Working with CBN is a joy. We share the same mission from the Bible—to stand with Israel and make sure Jewish families live in strength and peace.”

One grateful daughter of a resident shared, “My father could not get into the shelter before. Now with the safe steps and railing, he will finally be able to reach it without fear. Thank you for caring so much.”

Her father was moved to tears as he said, “You gave us back our safety. I bless you for helping us. May God reward you.”

Your gifts to CBN Israel continue to bring real hope. You can provide food, shelter, trauma counseling, financial help, and much more for those suffering from the impact of war and terror.

Please join us in making a difference for the needy and vulnerable in Israel!

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Arbel: Looking Out Over the Ministry of Jesus

By Stephen Faircloth

High upon the limestone cliffs of Mount Arbel, the land of Galilee unfolds in breathtaking detail. From this height, visitors see the fertile plain of Gennesar below and the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee beyond. It is here that the Gospels tell us 95 percent of Jesus’ ministry took place. To stand on Arbel is to glimpse the stage on which much of His teaching, healing, and miraculous works unfolded.

Arbel may be the same Beth-Arbel mentioned by the prophet Hosea (10:14). The present site, however, took shape at the end of the second century B.C. Jewish settlers, likely part of the Hasmonean expansion into Galilee, built their homes here. Rabbinic tradition even names a prominent sage, Nittai of Arbel, who later served as head of the Sanhedrin. This shows that from early on, the region carried both religious and cultural weight within Jewish life.

The people of Arbel prospered in agriculture. The valley below was especially fertile, producing flax for linen, along with grain, olives, and grapes. Archaeological excavations have uncovered wine and olive presses as well as pools likely used to process flax. Even in the shadow of conflict and empire, Arbel was known for its productivity and resilience.

Yet Arbel also carries a darker history. It was the scene of fierce clashes between Herod and his rivals in the late first century B.C. Rebels sought refuge in the caves carved into the cliffs, where they made their desperate stand. Later, during the First Jewish Revolt, Josephus himself fortified these same caves. Their remains can still be seen today. The cliffs, beautiful yet sheer, remind us of both the strength and the vulnerability of those who once sought safety there.

Centuries later, a synagogue was built in Arbel. Though simple compared to Herod’s fortresses, it stood as a gathering place for worship and teaching. Its ruins remind us that faith endured here long after empires rose and fell.

For believers today, Mount Arbel offers more than history. It offers perspective. From its heights we see the land where Jesus walked, taught, and called His disciples. The cliffs remind us that while kingdoms and rebels built fortresses that crumbled, the kingdom Jesus proclaimed endures forever.

When you look out over your life, what do you see? Are you clinging to crumbling fortresses of your own making, or do you see the enduring kingdom of God? Standing at Arbel invites us to lift our eyes beyond the struggles of this world and fix them on Jesus, whose ministry still transforms lives today.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

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Weekly Devotional: Living Water or Empty Cisterns

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:12-13).

In the dry land of ancient Israel, water was the difference between life and death. From November through April, rains nourished the land, but for the rest of the year people depended on springs, rivers, wells, or cisterns.

Springs and rivers offered fresh, flowing water that renewed life wherever it went. Cisterns, on the other hand, were pits dug into rock to collect runoff. They required plaster to keep the water from seeping out. The water inside was stagnant, often filled with sediment, sometimes even spoiled or poisoned. And when cracks formed, the water disappeared altogether.

Through Jeremiah, God compared the people of Judah to those who chose broken cisterns over fresh springs. Instead of trusting Him, the source of living water, they turned to false gods and empty substitutes that could never sustain them. They abandoned the fountain of life for pits that held nothing.

The prophet understood this image personally. His hometown of Anathoth had no natural spring, so the villagers relied on cisterns. He knew the taste of stagnant water, the disappointment of an empty reservoir, and the precious value of a fresh, flowing spring. His metaphor struck at the heart of Judah’s sin: rejecting God for lifeless idols.

The same temptation confronts us today. We are surrounded by cisterns that promise fulfillment such as success, wealth, relationships, and self-reliance. Yet they inevitably crack and fail. They cannot hold water. They cannot give life. Only God can. Jesus echoed Jeremiah’s message when He declared, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).

Where do you turn when your soul is dry? Are you sipping from cracked cisterns, or are you drinking deeply from the fountain of living water? Substitutes will always leave us empty, but the life that flows from God never runs dry.

What cisterns have you been tempted to dig for yourself? How might you turn instead to the One who is the true source of living water?

PRAYER

Father, forgive me for the times I have turned to empty substitutes instead of You. Refresh my heart with Your living water, and let Your Spirit flow through every dry place in my life. Amen.

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Torah Reading Devotional: Parashat Ki Teitzei (אם־תֵּצֵא)— “When You Go Out”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19). Read on Shabbat, September 6, 2025 / 13 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray and ignore them; you shall take them back to your brother. And if he does not live near you, or you do not know who he is, you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall stay with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him” (Deuteronomy 22:1-2).

This commandment teaches that responsibility in God’s community goes beyond refraining from harm. It requires us to act with care and intentionality toward the well-being of others. Returning a stray animal may seem small, but it is no small matter to the one who lost it. In God’s eyes, such an act of attention and kindness reflects the deeper character of His people.

When Moses gave this instruction, he reminded Israel that the covenant was not just about worship at the sanctuary or great moments of sacrifice. It was also about how people treated each other in daily life. A community where neighbors return what is lost, rather than looking away, is one where trust is preserved, dignity is honored, and love is made visible.

In our own lives, the spirit of this commandment still applies. Perhaps we do not find a neighbor’s ox wandering the road, but we do encounter people who have lost something of value, whether a belonging, an opportunity, or even their peace of mind. Faithfulness calls us not to ignore these needs but to step in with care, even when it requires time or effort.

There are moments when we may be tempted to say, “It is not my problem,” and walk past. Yet God’s word teaches us otherwise. His people are not meant to live with indifference. Each act of care, no matter how ordinary, bears witness to a God who restores the lost and heals the broken.

If you are in a place of blessing, consider how your stability can serve others. A listening ear, a helping hand, or an act of fairness can become a form of returning what is lost. In these ways, we mirror the heart of God who restores His children to wholeness.

This week, ask yourself where you might put this teaching into practice. Perhaps you can return something misplaced, repair a relationship that has drifted, or restore someone’s sense of hope with an encouraging word. When we choose to notice and respond, we embody the covenant call to love our neighbor as ourselves.

PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see what is lost around me. Give me the courage and compassion to restore what I can, whether possessions, peace, or dignity. Let my actions reflect Your faithfulness and love. Amen.

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Truth on Display: Ivy League Billboards Encourage Solidarity with the Jewish Community

By Stephen Faircloth

The Ivy League has long been regarded as a cradle of future leaders, shaping both minds and culture across the nation. In recent years, however, these campuses have also become contested spaces where Jewish students increasingly encounter antisemitism in the form of harassment, exclusion, and silence from those in authority. In response, The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Regent University have joined with JewBelong to launch a billboard campaign that refuses to remain quiet.

The effort features JewBelong’s signature pink and white billboards placed in prominent locations at Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania. These signs are not simple advertisements. They are public declarations that antisemitism has no place in institutions that claim to foster intellectual freedom and moral responsibility.

Each billboard delivers a clear message about the dangers of silence. Choosing not to speak against hatred is itself an act of complicity. The goal is to spark conversation, challenge apathy, and embolden students, faculty, and administrators to stand as visible allies with their Jewish peers.

Although antisemitism is a national concern, the Ivy League carries unique symbolic weight. These universities are incubators of cultural influence, and the ideas formed there often ripple outward into American society. When antisemitism festers unchecked in such settings, it shapes not only the immediate campus climate but also the perspectives of future leaders who carry those attitudes into wider spheres.

By bringing these messages directly into the Ivy League, the campaign speaks to the next generation of policymakers, educators, and cultural voices. It underscores the truth that moral courage is essential to genuine leadership.

JewBelong has used bold public messaging in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles, yet this Ivy League initiative is about more than geography. It is about addressing silence where it is most damaging. On campuses that claim to uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion, the lack of strong responses to antisemitic incidents undermines those very principles.

The partnership with CBN and Regent University expands the campaign’s reach through television and digital platforms, ensuring that its impact extends far beyond the billboards themselves. This effort is an invitation to Christians and Americans everywhere to recognize that standing against antisemitism is not a partisan or sectarian matter. It is both a human responsibility and a spiritual calling.

Though the Ivy League campaign is central, it is also part of a wider movement. With parallel outreach in the South through Southeastern Conference universities, the campaign seeks to build a coalition of students and alumni united in rejecting hatred. Each new campus engaged adds strength to a growing chorus of voices calling for courage, solidarity, and love of neighbor.

The message is urgent and unmistakable. Silence is no longer an option. In the face of rising antisemitism, particularly within institutions charged with shaping the leaders of tomorrow, communities must choose action over complacency. Every billboard stands as a reminder that defending the Jewish people is not only a moral duty but also a reflection of God’s call to love and protect our neighbors.

If you are a Christian who believes in standing with Israel and the Jewish people while confronting antisemitism, lies, and misinformation, we invite you to join CBN Israel in making a meaningful difference today.

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Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

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U.S. State Department Makes a Momentous Decision

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

After a recent U.S. State Department decision, much of the world has reacted with outrage, vehemently opposing what is in reality a prudent and long-overdue American policy. The cause of the uproar? The Department of State (DOS) has revoked visas for Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 PA officials, preventing them from attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York City, scheduled for September 9 to 23.

The DOS statement affirmed: “It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) and PA (Palestinian Authority) accountable for failing to honor their commitments and for undermining prospects for peace.” It further emphasized that only groups that “consistently repudiate terrorism, including the October 7 massacre, and end incitement to terrorism in education” can be regarded as credible partners for peace.

There is historical precedent for such a move. The United States has denied visas to foreign leaders before. In 1988, for instance, PLO chairman Yasser Arafat was denied entry, prompting the UN General Assembly to relocate its session to Switzerland.

So, what lies behind this September decision? Mahmoud Abbas, now 89, was elected Palestinian Authority president in 2009. Since then, he has refused to hold new elections or meet face to face with any Israeli prime minister for peace talks, a stalemate that has lasted 16 years. The pattern of destructive choices traces back eight decades to when the United Nations passed one of its most consequential resolutions: Resolution 181.

Although adopted in a secular context, Resolution 181 aligned with Israel’s biblical promises. On November 29, 1947, the UN voted to partition British-ruled Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab.

The Arab world immediately rejected the proposal, refusing to accept any arrangement that recognized a Jewish state. On May 14, 1948, as Israel declared independence, Arab nations launched a war against the fledgling and ill-equipped state. Against all odds, Israel prevailed.

The Jewish people, in contrast, accepted the imperfect yet promising partition plan. Through decades of labor and determination, they transformed deserts into fertile lands, pioneered life-saving innovations, and built a thriving nation. Today, at 77 years old, Israel stands as a free, prosperous, and innovative state.

Meanwhile, decades of Palestinian refusal have layered conflict upon conflict, an unbroken legacy of rejectionism.

This year, the United Nations’ General Assembly convenes under the theme: “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The stated aim: “To address complex global challenges, build consensus, and forge partnerships for a more equitable and sustainable future.”

Yet the UN’s track record tells a different story. Its disproportionate criticism of Israel, coupled with endless slanderous resolutions, has undermined true progress. Instead of directing more energy toward the world’s worst human rights abusers, the UN has persistently targeted one of its most democratic and innovative member states.

UN Watch, a non-profit watchdog that holds the UN accountable to its founding principles, provides a sobering perspective. Reviewing the UN Human Rights Council’s record from 2006 through 2024, UN Watch notes that the body passed 108 resolutions against Israel, compared to 45 against Syria, 15 against Iran, 10 against Russia, and only 4 against Venezuela. The imbalance is staggering. Very simply, the UN does not hold dictatorships to the same standard it imposes on Israel.

The popularization of the term “Palestinians” can be traced largely to Yasser Arafat, the Egyptian-born founder of the PLO and the architect of modern terrorism. He mentored Mahmoud Abbas, embedding in him the same strategy of weaponizing victimhood.

Arafat promoted the identity of a “Palestinian people” beginning in the late 1960s, using it as a tool to delegitimize Israel. Western leaders, too often naïve, elevated him, and later Abbas, as supposed freedom fighters. But Arafat’s true goal was always the destruction of Israel. Today, Abbas and other Palestinian leaders continue policies that perpetuate refugee status, incite hatred, and even promote genocide.

The State Department’s decision becomes clearer when considering the PA’s destructive policies. The PLO and PA have consistently undermined peace while glorifying violence. Three examples illustrate this:

  1. “Pay-for-Slay” Rewards for MurderWhen a Palestinian kills an Israeli or even an American, the Abbas regime rewards the terrorist’s family with generous stipends, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2016, U.S. veteran Taylor Force was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist while visiting Tel Aviv with his Vanderbilt MBA study group. This prompted bipartisan passage of the Taylor Force Act in 2018, which sought to cut U.S. aid to the PA until it ended such payouts. Yet corruption prevails. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies reported that after Abbas supposedly reduced these payments in February 2025, Israel released 316 terrorists during a ceasefire, while Hamas released 33 hostages. The terrorists walked free as millionaires, receiving a staggering 142 million dollars in PA funds.
  2. Elevating Terrorists as Role ModelsThe PA and PLO routinely glorify terrorists as “martyrs.” Streets, schools, and public squares bear their names. In Ramallah, “Martyr Dalal Mughrabi Square” honors the woman who led the murder of 37 Israelis, including 12 children. In 2015, Nablus unveiled a monument shaped like Israel to honor Naif Abu Sharakh, a commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades.
  3. Indoctrinating Children Through EducationThe Palestinian education system is steeped in incitement. Palestinian Media Watch has documented countless examples. On National Reading Day, for instance, schoolgirls read Hanadi in the Restaurant of Horror, a book glorifying a female suicide bomber who murdered 21 Israelis in Haifa. Despite international outcry, these materials remain entrenched in PA schools.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman captured the moment well on X: “Only the United States under President Trump has come to Israel’s aid during this 7-front war. The UN has aided and abetted Hamas, as has the International Red Cross. Western Europe and Canada have abandoned Israel. Only a few true friends remain.”

The battle is not merely political, it is spiritual. As Deuteronomy 14:2 declares: “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” God chose Israel not for its merit but as a vessel of His redemptive plan, culminating in the arrival of our Jewish Savior. This truth binds faithful Christians and Jews as those who are truly “Better Together.”

We invite you to join our CBN Israel team in prayer, and in sharing truth to counter the lies spread against Israel at the United Nations.

Prayer Points:

  • Pray with thanks to God for His unchanging promises to Israel and to us.
  • Pray for U.S. Secretary of State Rubio as he leads with wisdom and resolve.
  • Pray for continued success for UN Watch in holding the UN accountable.
  • Pray for UN delegates to make just and wise decisions regarding Israel.
  • Pray for deeper unity between Jews and Christians to stand firm together.

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel. Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection, and has traveled to Israel since 1990. By invitation, she attends Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits as part of Christian media worldwide. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. www.TheMentalHealthMeltdown.com.

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Feeding Hope in a Time of Crisis

After nearly two years of ongoing war, life remains uncertain for many families across Israel. Though the headlines may fade, the daily struggles of vulnerable communities persist. In cities like Beersheva, where missile attacks have struck hard in recent months, countless people are still trying to recover.

Among those affected most are single mothers, elderly widows, refugees, and those living with the scars of war. And with jobs lost and schools repeatedly disrupted, many parents continue to face impossible choices, especially when it comes to putting food on the table for their children.

But because of caring friends like you, they are not facing this hardship alone. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of donors, CBN Israel’s food distribution team continues to partner with local ministries across the country to deliver groceries and hygiene items. In Beersheva, mobile distribution centers are set up to meet families right where they are, bringing practical help and renewed hope.

Mariana Gol, who leads a local aid group, described the impact donors are making. She said, “Because of everything our families have been through over the past two years, we are trying to support and encourage them. And CBN Israel continues to bring food and essentials for them. Some have not been able to work during the war and found themselves in an even greater economic struggle.”

Your gift makes it possible for families who have endured trauma and displacement to receive the urgent care they need. Your support helps restore dignity by providing food, clothing, housing, financial aid, counseling, and compassion.

Please join us in standing with Israel’s most vulnerable people and showing them that they are not forgotten.

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Masada: Fortress in the Wilderness

By Stephen Faircloth

High above the barren shores of the Dead Sea, the rocky plateau of Masada rises like a sentinel in the desert. Though it receives barely an inch of rain each year, Herod the Great transformed this remote outcrop into one of the most impressive fortress-palaces of the ancient world.

Herod spared no expense. He built two palatial complexes, one cascading dramatically down the northern slope, the other on the western side. Both contained storerooms, living quarters, Roman-style bathhouses, and lavish decorations fitting for a king. Ingenious channels and cisterns captured scarce rainfall, storing millions of gallons of water. Even in the wilderness, Herod ensured he could enjoy pools and gardens.

Yet Masada’s fame does not rest on Herod’s luxuries. Its name is forever tied to the First Jewish Revolt. According to Josephus, Jewish rebels known as the Sicarii sought refuge on Masada after Jerusalem’s destruction. When the Roman Tenth Legion laid siege and finally breached the fortress, they discovered the defenders had chosen death over slavery. Though historians debate the exact details, the story endures as a haunting symbol of desperation, courage, and loss.

Archaeology confirms the presence of those rebels. Herod’s opulent rooms were repurposed for survival. A donkey stable was converted into a simple synagogue, where fragments of scrolls were discovered. Some contained portions of Scripture, others preserved Jewish writings such as Ben Sira. Even in their final days, these men clung to the Word of God as their anchor.

Masada is a place of contrasts. It tells of human ambition in Herod’s stone palaces. It speaks of human defiance in the rebels’ last stand. And it whispers of faith in the scrolls left behind, even as hope seemed lost.

The lesson of Masada is clear. Human fortresses, no matter how strong, cannot ultimately save us. Walls crumble. Armies march. Even the most secure refuge can fall. But Scripture reminds us of a greater truth: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Unlike Masada, His protection never fails.

Trusting in God as our true refuge means more than just calling on Him in times of crisis. It is choosing daily to lean on Him instead of our own strength, to surrender our fears instead of building walls around them, and to let His Word be the anchor of our hearts. Where Masada crumbled, God’s presence remains unshakable.

Where do you look for safety when life feels uncertain? Are you building your own fortress, or are you learning to rest in God as your refuge?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

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Weekly Devotional: The Mark of True Discipleship

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? Paul’s answer in Galatians is both simple and profound: we fulfill the law of Christ by carrying one another’s burdens. This is not an optional suggestion but a central mark of discipleship.

Jesus Himself said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love is the evidence of true discipleship. But this love is not abstract. It takes the shape of action. To love in this way means entering into another person’s struggle, offering support, encouragement, and compassion when life feels too heavy for them to carry alone.

Such love requires more than polite words or surface-level relationships. It calls for proximity and presence. It means choosing to walk alongside others, listening to their pain, sharing in their struggles, and letting them know they are not forgotten. This kind of burden-bearing only happens when we slow down, notice those around us, and allow our lives to intersect in genuine care.

The law of Christ stands in stark contrast to the values of our self-centered, fast-paced culture. Yet if we are not daily seeking to love one another as Jesus commanded, can we honestly call ourselves His disciples? Loving others is not about comfort or convenience. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that being a neighbor means showing mercy, even to those who are different from us or difficult to love (Luke 10:29-37).

To be a disciple is to imitate the heart of Jesus, who bore the greatest burden of all on the cross. As His followers, we are called to bear the burdens of others, whether they are friends, neighbors, or even enemies. This is what sets His people apart. This is the mark of true discipleship.

Who around you is weighed down today? Are there practical steps you can take to help carry their burden, even if only for a moment? Loving well may be the clearest testimony of your faith.

PRAYER

Father, open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Fill my heart with compassion so I may share in their burdens and reflect the love of Christ. Teach me to walk in Your way of love each day. Amen.

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Torah Reading Devotional: Parashat Shoftim (שֹׁפְטִים)—“Judges”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9). Read on Shabbat, August 30, 2025 / 6 Elul 5785. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous” (Deuteronomy 16:18-19).

Moses lays before Israel the foundational call for justice. Leadership, in God’s eyes, begins with integrity. Judges and officials are entrusted not to wield power for themselves, but to uphold righteousness without favoritism or corruption.

The portion continues with laws for kings, priests, prophets, cities of refuge, false witnesses, and warfare. Each is given to ensure accountability, to protect the vulnerable, and to remind Israel that no one stands above the law of God.

Justice is not a distant ideal; it is meant to be lived daily, in every town, family, and community. When rulers cling too tightly to power, or when compassion is sidelined for expedience, the entire nation and society suffers.

Shoftim reminds us that justice is not only the duty of leaders. It is a call upon every heart. How we treat coworkers, how we speak of neighbors, and how we handle resources all reveal whether we reflect the justice of God.

To act justly requires humility, vigilance, and courage. It means noticing the quiet needs around us, protecting those who cannot protect themselves, and speaking truth even when silence would be easier.

In our own lives, injustice can sometimes feel too large to confront, whether in society or within our own hearts. Yet Shoftim calls us to see that justice begins in the small choices.

Ask yourself: where can I uphold justice today? Perhaps in refusing to cut corners, in offering a fair word instead of gossip, or in welcoming someone who is often overlooked. These moments may seem small, but they are seeds of blessing, for each act of integrity reflects the heart of God.

If you are weary of injustice, do not lose hope. God calls His people to embody a different way. Even one choice to act with fairness and compassion can bear witness to His kingdom.

And if you are in a season of blessing, remember that gratitude must be joined with responsibility. To receive much is also to be entrusted with much, and justice is one of the surest ways we honor that trust.

This week, seek one intentional way to bring fairness into your space—at home, at work, or in your community.

Let your words and actions align with the vision God set before Israel: a people known not for power or wealth, but for righteousness, mercy, and truth.

PRAYER
Lord, please open my eyes to see injustice. Give me wisdom to act with fairness, courage to speak with integrity, and humility to walk in Your ways. Amen.

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