출애굽기 18:23의 인용 해설

It is a well known fact that משפט, a system of justice, is the foundation of the throne of G’d’s glory as mentioned in Psalms 89,15: “righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne.” Anyone helping to establish true justice on earth thereby helps to strengthen the foundation of G’d’s throne. He who perverts justice undermines the foundations of G’d’s throne. By saying בל טוב, Solomon indicated that a person guilty of this will not merit טוב, will not experience “goodness in store for the righteous,” of which the psalmist (Psalms 31,20) said: “how abundant is the good that You have in store for those who fear You.” Solomon taught us in Proverbs that he who is guilty of showing partiality in judgment will be punished not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Justice is the prerequisite for peace. This is why we find Yitro telling Moses that if he were to carry out his advice with the approval of G’d, “also this whole people will arrive at its destination in peace” (Exodus 18,23). Peace ensures the continued existence of the world This is why the sages (Berachot 64) say that the scholars add to the amount of peace in the world (seeing they are in charge of administering justice). This is also why it is forbidden to submit disputes to Gentiles and only the sages of Israel must adjudicate between Jew and fellow Jew.

“These are the rules” [21:1]. King Solomon, of blessed memory, said: “These also are by the sages: it is not right to be partial in judgment” [Proverbs, 24:23]. That is to say, it is not good that one should flatter with judgment. Whoever gives proper judgments; he causes the throne in heaven to stand properly. However, when he, heaven forbid, does not judge properly, he causes the throne of the Holy One to be moved from his city. Justice causes peace and therefore, Yitro advised Moses that he should dispense justice. Concerning him it is written, “will go home in peace” [Exodus, 18:23]. Because there is peace, there is existence in the world. Therefore, justice was given to the scholars who make peace in the world. It is not right to bring judgments before the nations of the world, but before the sages of Israel. Therefore, it is written, “These are the rules that you shall set before them” [21:1].¹Bahya, Exodus, Mishpatim Introduction.

ואומר אליכם בעת ההיא לאמור, “I spoke to you at that time, saying:” the word לאמור here refers to Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law who had given this advice. When G’d indicated His approval, Moses accepted this advice in practice (Exodus 18,23).