Dvarim

The famous first pasuk of the parasha, commanding to appoint judges, is followed by the goal: “and they shall judge the nation a just judgment.” The idea of a just judgment seems a little obvious – did we think that we would want an unjust judgment?

Our parasha begins: “See (singular), I am placing before you (plural) today a blessing and a curse” (Devarim 11:26). Why does the pasuk start with a singular verb and switch to a plural pronoun? Apparently, it is to teach us about the double nature of service of Hashem, which applies both to the service of the individual and to the service of the public.