True Justice

When Moshe recounts the events of the desert, he spoke of the difficulties of leading the Jewish nation. He told Hashem that he couldn’t do this by himself.

Thanks to the advice of his father in-law, Yitro, a judicial system was set up. There were 78,600 Jews that were given the the role of judge on one level or another.

Moshe took the opportunity to emphasize how important it was for judges to be honest and G-d fearing. It had a direct effect on the society as a whole. If people felt that there was no true justice in settling disputes, it led to feelings of despair and skepticism.

Moshe instructs the judges with the words, לא תגורו מפני איש, that they should not be afraid of any man. The judge only needed to answer to G-d. He must not give in to the pressures put on him by the litigants or the community.

This is why fear of Hashem is critical for a judge. This is why the Rabbis said that one who executes true justice, becomes a partner with Hashem in creation.