Divine Civil Laws

The Alshich gives a beautiful explanation of the civil laws that are given in the Torah. Many of these laws are mentioned in Parshat Mishpatim.

He wrote that only Divinely inspired civil legislation can bring peace and harmony. It is important that we recognize the difference between man made laws and Divine laws.

The Alshich goes on to explain that every Mitzva that we perform also adds to the harmony of G-d’s universe.

We are to follow Hashem’s example. Just as He is totally giving and full of kindness, so must we act in a similar fashion. We must realize the satisfaction that we get in knowing that we have eased someone else’s pain. Selfishness brings no satisfaction or joy.

As part of this recognition of Divinely inspired civil legislation, it is understandable why the Rabbis were strongly opposed to going to a Gentile court, even to settle monetary disputes. They said that if a Jew goes to a Gentile or secular court, it is as if he is saying that G-d’s laws are faulty.

All of the laws of the Torah come to us from Mount Sinai. Even laws that obviously need a remedy, such as murder and theft, also come from Sinai. The peace and harmony that comes from the observance of these laws, depends in large part from the recognition that these laws come directly from Hashem on Mount Sinai.