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| Dr Avi Harel |
Guest post by Dr Avi Harel
[Translated from the Hebrew by Gavin Michal
Dr Avi Harel holds a PhD in Jewish philosophy
and history. He served in the IDF, Border Police and Israel Police for three
decades in various command positions. In his last position, he was the
historian of the Israel Police. He has published four books and dozens of
articles.
Introduction
In the weekly portion of Shoftim in the Book of Deuteronomy, there is a general biblical overview of the style of governance which is to be established in Canaan when the Israelites eventually enter the land. Firstly, there is a reference to adherence to an appropriate system of law. Then there is an injunction to establish a form of law enforcement, along the lines of an efficient policing body, that is ethical and effective. And finally, the Torah specifies the principles that pertain to the appointment of the ruler of the people - the king. This came with the ethical requirement that his power is to be limited so that his rule is not supreme.
