Two Kinds of Rodeif

The דין רודף is alluded to in פרשת כי תצא. This refers to our obligation to get involved when we see another Jew in distress. The word, “רודף” literally means, to chase after.

Most people think that this applies when it looks like someone is chasing another person with intent to kill. He might be holding a knife or gun as he is in pursuit.

We are allowed to even kill the attacker, if need be, in order to prevent a murder. If we can prevent it by other means, such as shooting the attacker in the leg, it is preferred.

The דין רודף is alluded to in the Parsha, with the words, כן הדבר הזה, so it is true in this matter. The case discussed is that of rape. To paraphrase the Torah, “Just as when arises against another Jew to kill him, so is this matter of rape.”

Obviously, we need our מסורת, tradition, to teach us that כן הדבר הזה, refers to rape. The Torah is teaching that just as דין רודף requires that we do all in our power to prevent a murder, so must we do the same to prevent a woman from being violated.

This is but another example as to why we cannot expect to understand the true meaning of Torah without the Oral Law.