The following section is named מלחמות השם.

The following three פרשיות are usually read during the period between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av. I have decided therefore, to combine the commentary on them under the same heading.

Parshat Matot

Commandment 406 deals with conditions under which vows can be annulled, and by whom they can be annulled.

Commandment 407 discusses the general rule that one must not break one's word.

Parshat Masei

Commandment 408 enjoins the people of Israel to set aside cities for the use of the Levites. These cities are also to act as cities of refuge for people guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Commandment 409 forbids the execution of a murderer until he has stood trial.

Commandment 410 provides for the Court to send someone who has committed involuntary manslaughter to a city of refuge, and for the party concerned to go there.

Commandment 411 forbids a witness who has testified in a case that may lead to capital punishment to act as a judge in the proceedings.

Commandment 412 forbids the paying of a ransom to save a murderer from the death penalty. The Torah says: "You must not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of a capital crime; he must be put to death." (35,31)

Commandment 413 forbids the accepting of a ransom from someone guilty of involuntary manslaughter in lieu of flight to a city of refuge (35,32).

Parshat Devarim

Commandment 414 forbids the appointment of a judge whose expertise does not include Torah law, even though he may be a recognized expert in other disciplines. This is based on Deut. 1,17: "You shall not be partial in judgment."

Commandment 415 prohibits judges from being intimidated by litigants or their supporters. The Torah says: "Fear no man!" (ibid.)