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| Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:33:45 -0600 — |
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D'var: Parashat Mishpatim 5784 Commentary by Robby Hurt Friday, February 9, 2024 |
| Exodus 21:1–24:18 |
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This parashah follows the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.
And "Mishpatim" is the Hebrew word for "laws". And it is easy to see all
of the Commandments weaved into the substance of this parashah.
It goes into great detail and applies the Ten Commandments to all areas of life with each other as well as our relationship to G-d. The parashah starts with a series of laws regulating and codifying Intra-Hebrew Familial Slavery including financial remuneration. Introduced shortly after G-d’s people came out of 430 years of slavery. An area and component of G-d that all must come to terms with. And non-Jews must understand that G-d ordered or allowed His Chosen People to be enslaved first as an example. The Civil War in the US was fought significantly over what is contained in this part of Torah. But their understanding of Curse of Ham in Genesis 9:25 and practicing the different forms of separations that G-d instructed the Jews weighed heavily in the balance. The parashah then describes and makes distinctions on the different states of hearts and minds in the cause of death of another person. Intentional, accidental, negligence, and in self-defense for example. And death or injury of the unborn is listed which is just now being codified in civil laws of the US and other countries. Just punishments and required financial remuneration for the offenses are contained in the parashah. Debtors Prisons no longer exist in civilized societies. But I wonder if there are studies of it having a deterrent effect on those with a propensity for stealing. Perhaps it could be said that this parashah covers and codifies duties and responsibilities for all relationships that exist among humanity. Besides family members, unique distinctions are made for widows, orphans, the poor, strangers, and authorities. It covers and regulates human beings relationships to animals, land, and private and personal property. And the justice, equity, and remuneration associated with all of those relationships. In my opinion you can see King David being inspired from this part of Torah when he wrote Psalm 19:7-10:
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring (Psalms 23:3) the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, they are righteous altogether; More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. The parashah continues into the Jews celebratory relationship with G-d mandating Feasts they were to celebrate annually and how they were to celebrate them. And the generations that were led out of Egypt affirmed their Covenant with G-d and pledged to obey in this part of Torah. There are many wonderful commentaries available online articulating so much of what is contained in this parashah by putting "Parashat Mishpatim" in the search bar. The Biblical Shepherding Model of Animal Husbandry has mostly disappeared at least in the West due to private property and modern fencing. So, there was less exposure to understanding to know about a "goring bull". The Jews received the above laws and regulations and then were told of the Feasts they were to celebrate annually and how they were to celebrate them. And affirmed their Covenant with G-d and pledged to obey. Robby Hurt |
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