Text: Deuteronomy 16:18-20
OT Text Referred to: Exodus 23:8
Subject: bribery prohibition and judicial integrity
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Exodus 23:8 prohibits taking a bribe (שֹׁחַד, shochad) because "a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just," and Deuteronomy 16:18-20 embeds this prohibition within a comprehensive judicial appointment framework: "Appoint judges and officials... You must not pervert justice or show partiality. You must not accept a bribe." Deuteronomy 16:20 adds the memorable imperative "Justice, justice you shall pursue" (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף, tsedeq tsedeq tirdof), with the doubled noun intensifying the demand. The progression from Exodus's standalone prohibition to Deuteronomy's institutional framework shows the development from moral command to a judicial system designed to prevent corruption.