Parsha Mishpatim: These are the rules

By Richard Sison | 2019

Introduction

The Mishpatim literally means a verdict, judicial sentence or a formal decree. The verdicts given from the past judicial decision of the judge becomes a “precedent” - is a principle or rule established in a previous legal case. Mishpatim are believed to be G-D’s judgment in the past prior to the re-giving of the Torah in Mt Sinai. These judgments became set of rules and instructions (Heb. torah) to be followed by Israel and the mixed multitude that went with them.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love [Gk Agapao - to love in moral sense] your enemies, bless [Gk. eulogeo - to speak well] them that curse you, do good [Heb. mitzvot] to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:43-48

The message