Exodus 21:1

Now And introducing a new element in the collection, viz. the -judgements" contained in Exodus 21:2 to Exodus 22:17.

the judgements i.e. legal precedents, intended to have the force of law. The Heb. mishpâṭmeans a judicial decision, (1) given in an individual case, and then (2) established as a precedent for other similar cases 1 [184]. No doubt, the decisions which Moses gave, when he -sat to judge the people" (Exodus 18:13; cf. on Exodus 18:15-16), became thus the foundation of Hebrew legislation (cf. p. 161) 2 [185].

[184] In its original sense, the word is a term belonging to civil and criminal law; but it is sometimes extended so as to include moral and religious injunctions (as Leviticus 18:4-5; Leviticus 19:15; Leviticus 19:35); it is also sometimes in EVV. rendered more clearly by -ordinance" (e.g. Exodus 15:25; Joshua 24:25; Isaiah 58:2; Jeremiah 8:7 RV.).

[185] -En-Mishpâṭ (Genesis 14:7), the -Spring of judgement," as Ḳadesh (the -sacred" place) was also called, was doubtless once a sacred spring, at which judicial decisions were obtained (cf. DB.iii. 67 a, v. 616 b).

set before them Exodus 19:7; Deuteronomy 4:44.