In this message we see God’s call for his people to appoint wise judges and pursue “justice, and only justice” according to his righteous standard. Moses instructs Israel that true justice refuses bribes and perversion, will not tolerate false worship or covenant-breaking treason, and upholds order through proper authority—all so that the people may live and flourish in the land. Far from being a distraction from the gospel, this concern for justice flows from it and ultimately points us to Christ, in whom God’s perfect justice is fully satisfied and mercy is freely offered to sinners.