The Cases Moses Judged and the Laws He Made Known

Mekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben Yochai 18:16

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"When they have a matter, it comes to me" (Exodus 18:16): between impurity and purity. "And I judge between a man": this is a case that has no compromise in it. "And his fellow": this is a case that has compromise in it, and they are dismissed and go off as friends. "And I make known the statutes of God": these are decrees. "And His laws": these are rulings. So are the words of Rabbi Yehoshua. Rabbi Elazar of Modi'in says: "And I make known the statutes of God" these are the forbidden sexual relations, "and His laws" these are decrees.

Themes

TorahCommandmentsDivine Justice

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