"You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the LORD your God is giving you."
"You shall not plant for yourself any tree, as a wooden image, near the altar which you build for yourself to the LORD your God."
#deuteronomy 16:20-21

Verse 21 follows verse 20 for a reason. Unjust courts destroy peace and subvert national security. "That you may live and inherit the land..." and one who appoints an unrighteous judge is like one who plants an Asherah tree beside God's altar.
#shoftim #justice