Torah Portion Mishpatim in a Nutshell
- Name: Mishpatim
- Reading: Exodus 21:1 – 24:18
- Haftarah: Kings 2 12:1 – 12:17
Parashat Mishpatim Summary
God Gives the Israelites More Laws
A Hebrew servant must be freed after seven years.
One who strikes or curses his parents will be put to death.
Murders and attackers are punished life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.
If an ox gores a man, the animal must die. If the owner knows it’s a violent ox, he must die too.
If a thief is killed when breaking in, there is no bloodguilt for him.
If he is discovered, he must pay double for what he stole.
Those that destroy the property of others must pay restitution.
Those who sell damaged goods must take responsibility for them.
A man who rapes an unbethrothed virgin must pay a dowry and marry her.
Don’t let witches live.
Kill those who sleep with animals.
Those who sacrifice to other gods must be destroyed.
Do not oppress strangers, widows, or orphans, or your wife will be a widow and your children will be orphans.
If you lend money to your brother, do not charge him interest.
Do not curse God or a ruler of your people.
Don’t delay your harvest offerings and offer your firstborn sons and cattle to me.
Do not bear false witness or follow a group to do wrong.
Bring your enemy’s lost animal home to him.
Don’t accept bribes.
Let the land rest in the seventh year.
Rest from your work on the seventh day.
The Three Pilgrim Festivals are outlined.
Don’t cook a kid in its mother’s milk.
Moses prepares to go up the mountain to receive the Tablets of the Law from God.
