Parashat Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1–24:18) continues from the divine revelation at Har Sinai, detailing laws and guidelines that shape Israel’s social, ethical, and spiritual life. Following the giving of the Ten Commandments, the people, overwhelmed by G-d’s voice, ask Moshe to act as their intermediary. In response, G-d instructs Moshe on a comprehensive set of laws covering diverse aspects of community life.

Laws for Daily Life and Social Order (Exodus 21:1–23:9): G-d provides Moshe with laws on a variety of topics essential for justice and compassion within the community:

Servitude and Personal Rights: Regulations for Hebrew servants ensure dignity and fair treatment (Exodus 21:2–11).

Personal Injury and Responsibility: The laws establish accountability for causing harm, setting principles for compensation and proportional justice, famously including “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:12–27).

Property Rights and Restitution: Guidelines for property protection and restitution highlight respect for others’ belongings, including consequences for theft or property damage (Exodus 22:1–14).

Social Responsibility and Compassion: Provisions address protection of the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and foreigners, encouraging Israel to show mercy in alignment with G-d’s character (Exodus 22:21–23:9).

Sabbath and Annual Festivals (Exodus 23:10–19): G-d reinforces the Sabbath commandment and introduces three major pilgrimage festivals—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering. During these festivals, Israelite men are to appear before the L-rd and present offerings, emphasizing national unity in worship and gratitude to G-d.

Divine Guidance and the Promise of Protection (Exodus 23:20–33): G-d promises to send an angel ahead of the Israelites to lead, guard, and guide them to the Promised Land. The people are commanded to obey this angel and avoid alliances with the inhabitants of Canaan or adopting their idols. G-d assures Israel of His protection, saying He will “send His terror” ahead of them to confuse and subdue their enemies (Exodus 23:27), foreshadowing His active role in their journey.

Covenant Confirmation and Moshe’ Ascent (Exodus 24:1–18): The portion concludes with a covenant ceremony to ratify the laws. Moshe builds an altar, and the blood of sacrifices is sprinkled on the people as a sign of their binding agreement to obey G-d’s commands (Exodus 24:7–8). Israel collectively affirms their commitment with the words, “All that the L-RD has spoken, we will do, and we will be obedient” (Exodus 24:7). G-d then invites Moshe to ascend Har Sinai, where he stays for forty days and forty nights, receiving the tablets of stone inscribed with the law and commandments.

Key Themes to Consider:

Justice and Compassion: These laws emphasize fairness and the protection of human dignity, establishing standards of justice tempered with compassion.

Communal Worship and Holiness: By instituting the Sabbath and festivals, G-d sets a rhythm of rest and devotion, strengthening Israel’s identity as His chosen people.

Covenant and Obedience: The blood-sprinkling ceremony underscores Israel’s solemn commitment to follow G-d’s commands, reinforcing their identity as a covenant community.

G-d’s Presence and Leadership: The angel sent ahead of Israel serves as a sign of G-d’s guidance and protection, foreshadowing the journey to come.

Parashat Mishpatim deepens the covenant relationship established at Sinai, as Israel learns how to live as a holy community under G-d’s law. Through these laws, Israel is called to embody justice, mercy, and obedience as they prepare to enter the land G-d has promised.