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  • From: Shoshanna Walker <rosewalk AT concentric.net>
  • To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [b-hebrew] PS Re: oral Torah
  • Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 09:28:22 -0500

OK they were "elders" (Numbers 11:16), "judges and officers" (Deuteronomy 16:18). Exodus 18:21 describes the moral character that was required, and so does Deuteronomy 1:13. The Torah gives them their authority in Deuteronomy 17:11, In Deuteronomy 17:8, the Torah says (when there will be the Temple) to go to the Priests, the Levites and the Judge to ask them to judge in difficult matters. The Sanhedrin had more authority and power if it convened in the "place which G-d shall choose" (ie, the Chamber of Cut Stone in the Temple), than if it convened elsewhere (Deuteronomy 17:10)

One of the functions of the Sanhedrin was to test a man claiming to be a prophet and if he passed the test, he was proclaimed prophet by the Sanhedrin, that was the only body that was allowed to do this. Israel was commanded to choose a king in Deuteronomy 17: 14, 15 - that G-d shall choose, meaning that he must be chosen with the concurrence of both a prophet and the Sanhedrin.

Shoshanna




G-d told Moshe to choose 70 men, who, together with him would be the first Sanhedrin, and told Israel that they had authority. I don't remember by heart the description of their requirements, but they certainly had to be "wise men" and versed in Torah law.

Shoshanna






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