(18) You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes, in all the settlements that Adonai your God is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due justice. (19) You shall not judge unfairly: you shall show no partiality; you shall not take bribes, for bribes blind the eyes of the discerning and upset the plea of the just. (20) Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that Adonai your God is giving you.
(1) צדק צדק תרדף Justice, justice shall you pursue — Seek out a good court.
(2) למען תחיה וירשת That you may thrive and occupy the land — The appointment of proper judges is sufficient to make Israel thrive and to establish them on their land.
(16) And the LORD of Hosts is exalted by judgment, The Holy God proved holy by justice.
(1) Justice, justice — This is addressed to each of the contending parties. The repetition of "justice" implies that they should pursue a just result whether it brings them profit or loss, or perhaps that they should continue to pursue justice time after time, as long as they live. Or it may simply be for emphasis.
Justice, justice you shall pursue...With justice, you shall pursue justice. Even the pursuit of justice must employ only just means, and not falsehood.
? R' Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (18th century Poland)
I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice.
Rev. Theodore Parker (19th century Unitarian minister & abolitionist)