Torah Portion Mishpatim – The Heart of God’s Justice
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Torah: Exodus 21:1-24:18
Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; Jeremiah 33:25-26
Besorah: John 7:14-24
Shevat 24, 5785 | February 22, 2025
Shalom friends!
This week, we enter a portion that many people skim through—laws about servants, property, and restitution might not seem as engaging as the plagues or the parting of the sea. But Torah portion Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, “Judgments”) reveals something profound: God’s heart for justice, mercy, and righteousness. These laws go beyond legal codes; they reflect the character of the One who gave them.
As we examine this portion, we’ll see that God’s justice is not cold or impersonal but deeply relational. It’s about how we treat others, especially the vulnerable. The Haftarah reminds us of the dangers of ignoring these commands, while the Besorah reveals Yeshua’s teaching on true justice. Let’s dive in and see what we can learn about living in alignment with God’s righteous ways.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Mishpatim: Exodus 21:1–24:18
Understanding the Portion
The Torah portion of Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים), meaning “Judgments” or “Ordinances,” shifts from the dramatic revelation at Sinai to the detailed application of God’s covenant. This portion provides a legal framework for Israelite society, covering civil laws, moral responsibilities, and religious obligations.
One of the central themes of Mishpatim is that justice is rooted in relationship—our relationship with God and with each other. These laws are not just legal codes but expressions of God’s nature and His expectations for His people.
The Laws of the Hebrew Servant (Exodus 21:1-11)
The portion begins with laws regarding the Hebrew servant (Eved Ivri). Unlike the oppressive slavery Israel experienced in Egypt, God’s laws provide dignity and protection for servants. A Hebrew servant is to be set free after six years of service, reinforcing the idea that Israel belongs to God, not to human masters.
A fascinating detail is that if a servant chooses to stay, his ear is pierced as a sign of perpetual service (Exodus 21:6). Why the ear?
The sages explain that this is the ear that heard God at Sinai, and if someone willingly chooses servitude, their ear is marked as a reminder of their ultimate obligation to God, not man (Talmud, Kiddushin 22b).
“Eye for an Eye” – Misunderstood Justice (Exodus 21:24)
One of the most famous yet misunderstood verses in the Torah is “an eye for an eye” (עַיִן תַּחַת עַיִן – Ayin tachat ayin). Many assume this calls for literal retribution, but Jewish tradition has always interpreted this as financial compensation rather than physical punishment (Bava Kamma 84a). The Torah prioritizes restoration over revenge—making things right rather than perpetuating harm.
Compassion for the Vulnerable (Exodus 22:21-24)
A major theme in Mishpatim is God’s concern for the weak and marginalized. The text repeatedly commands Israel to protect the stranger, widow, and orphan, reminding them:
“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Exodus 22:21
This concept, known as “tzedek” (צֶדֶק) or righteousness, is central to biblical justice. True justice includes compassion and mercy, reflecting God’s heart for the oppressed.
Covenant Sealed with Blood (Exodus 24:1-8)
At the end of the portion, Israel formally enters the covenant with God. Moses sprinkles the blood of the covenant on the people and the altar, symbolizing their union with God. The people respond:
“Na’aseh v’nishma” (נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע) – “We will do, and we will listen.”
Exodus 24:7
This is a powerful declaration of obedience. The order is striking—commitment comes before full understanding. This phrase encapsulates the essence of faith: trusting God’s word even before we grasp all its implications.
A Little Nugget
The word Mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים) comes from the root שָׁפַט (shafat), meaning to judge or govern. This teaches us that justice isn’t abstract; it’s meant to be applied in real-life relationships and communities.
Application
Are there areas where you struggle with obeying before understanding? How can we practice justice and mercy in our daily interactions, reflecting God’s heart for righteousness?
Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26
Understanding the Portion
The Haftarah from Jeremiah is directly connected to the Torah portion, emphasizing Israel’s failure to uphold God’s laws regarding servitude. In the days of King Zedekiah, the people initially obeyed God’s command to free their Hebrew servants but later enslaved them again (Jeremiah 34:8-11).
This blatant violation of the covenant leads to severe consequences—Jeremiah declares that just as they “released” their slaves, God will “release” them into the hands of their enemies (Jeremiah 34:17). This prophetic rebuke reminds us that true freedom only comes through obedience to God’s justice.
However, Jeremiah 33:25-26 provides hope. Despite Israel’s failures, God reaffirms that His covenant is as unbreakable as the order of creation. This echoes the theme of God’s faithfulness even when we fall short.
A Little Nugget
The word “dror” (דְּרוֹר), used for “release” in Jeremiah 34:8, is also used for the Jubilee year (Yovel – יוֹבֵל), when debts were canceled, and slaves were freed (Leviticus 25:10). True dror (freedom) is not just physical but spiritual—living in alignment with God’s ways.
Application
Are there areas where we’ve received God’s grace but have been unwilling to extend it to others? Where do we need to practice spiritual release, forgiving and setting others free?
Besorah: John 7:14-24
Understanding the Portion
In this passage, Yeshua teaches at the Temple during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), addressing the crowds who question His authority. He responds by pointing out that true judgment comes from God, not human traditions:
“Do not judge by appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
John 7:24
This directly connects to Mishpatim’s theme of divine justice. The religious leaders were quick to judge Yeshua based on outward appearances but failed to recognize His teaching as coming from God.
Yeshua also highlights the hypocrisy of those who enforced the Law outwardly but neglected its deeper meaning. He challenges His listeners to seek truth and righteousness, rather than being bound by legalism.
A Little Nugget
The Hebrew word for justice, tzedek (צֶדֶק), is closely related to tzedakah (צְדָקָה), which means charity or righteousness. This reveals an important truth: justice is not just about legal fairness—it’s about generosity and compassion.
Application
Where in our lives do we judge by appearance rather than by God’s truth? Are we more concerned with outward religious actions than with true righteousness and mercy?
Connecting the Portions
One of the strongest themes uniting Mishpatim, the Haftarah, and the Besorah is justice and mercy—how we treat others, how we honor God’s commands, and how we judge rightly.
- In the Torah portion, we see that God’s laws are not just about punishment; they also establish protection for the vulnerable, ensuring that justice is balanced with compassion and fairness.
- In Jeremiah, Israel is condemned for failing to live up to these principles. God gave them laws to protect the oppressed, yet they enslaved their own people after promising to free them. This violation of justice brought destruction.
- In John, Yeshua calls out the religious leaders for judging by mere appearances rather than by God’s true standard. He challenges them—and us—to judge rightly, with hearts attuned to God’s truth.
When we uphold justice and mercy, we reflect God’s character. Mishpatim teaches us that obedience to God’s law is not about legalism but about how we treat one another. Our actions should not just follow the letter of the law but also the spirit of it—a spirit that seeks fairness, compassion, and righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- Justice & Mercy: The Torah portion emphasizes justice and fairness in human relationships. How can we balance justice and mercy in our own lives?
- Freedom & Forgiveness: In Jeremiah, the Israelites freed their slaves and then re-enslaved them. Are there areas in your life where you’ve let go of something but then taken it back? How can you fully release burdens, grudges, or unhealthy habits?
- Judging Righteously: Yeshua warns against judging by appearances. Have there been times when you misjudged someone or a situation? How can you seek God’s wisdom before forming conclusions?
- Living Out God’s Laws: Mishpatim teaches us that faith is not just about beliefs but about action. In what ways can you actively live out your faith this week—especially in how you treat others?
- Seeing with Ayin Tovah: The letter Ayin means “eye.” How can you develop a “good eye” (Ayin Tovah) this week, choosing to see others through a lens of kindness and generosity rather than criticism?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Ayin (ע)
This week, we focus on Ayin (ע), the sixteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Ayin is unique because it represents both sight and insight.
The Basics of Ayin
- Sound: Ayin is technically a silent letter, though in some traditions it carries a guttural sound.
- Numerical Value: 70, a number often linked to nations and divine wisdom.
- Appearance: Ayin has an open, wide shape, resembling an eye, which is fitting given its meaning.
How Ayin Is Written
ע
Ayin is a flowing letter, distinct because it has no vocalization on its own. It teaches us to look beyond what is seen into deeper spiritual truths.
Spiritual Meaning of Ayin
- Ayin means “eye” in Hebrew and is often linked to perception. In Scripture, it refers to both physical sight and spiritual vision.
- The phrase “Ayin Tovah” (עַיִן טוֹבָה) means “a good eye” and refers to generosity and kindness.
- Proverbs 22:9: “The one with a good eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
A Little Nugget
The Talmud says, “Who is rich? One who has a good eye” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). True wealth is about how we see the world and whether we view others with generosity or selfishness.
Application
This week, ask yourself: Are you seeing the world through an “Ayin Tovah” (a good eye) or through a critical, negative lens? Let Ayin remind you to look deeper—both in your relationships and in your faith.
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For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.