Deuteronomy 17:8-13

A central tribunal to be established (at Jerusalem) to try cases too hard for the local courts (Deuteronomy 16:18); see Deuteronomy 1:9 *.

Deuteronomy 17:8. Two (three?) sample cases are mentioned, viz. trials for murder (see Exodus 21:18) and for personal injury. between plea and plea: probably a dittograph (cf. Heb.) If genuine, the reference will be to disputes about property, one putting his right or claim against another's (see Exodus 22:1 f.).

Deuteronomy 17:9. In primitive times sanctuaries were asylums and courts of justice (Deuteronomy 19:1 *), the priests acting as magistrates. Here they seem to act as assessors (Deuteronomy 16:18 ff.*).