1)

What is "Yir'as Hashem"?

1.

Radak: They are matters that a person does in private or without others knowing, e.g. theft, false measures and weights. It says about them "v'Yareisa me'Elokecha Ani Hashem" (Vayikra 19:14).

2.

Malbim: They are those Chukim without any reason known [to us]; they are the King's decrees. We must do them amidst fear of Him, like a slave does his master's command without demanding reasons - "va'Ytzaveinu Hashem La'asos Es Kol ha'Chukim ha'Eleh Leyir'ah Es Hashem" (Devarim 6:24).

2)

Why is Yir'ah listed among the parts of Torah?

1.

Radak (9): It is the beginning of all Mitzvos and their root. If a servant does not fear his master, he will not do his command. Absolute fear is covert.

2.

Malbim: It refers to Chukim that we guard only amidst fear of Him.

3)

Why does it say that Yir'as Hashem is "Tehorah"?

1.

Radak #1: There is no dross. Bad things that are exposed, one refrains from them due to fear of people. That 'silver' (fear of sin) is not pure, for it has dross. Hidden matters that one refrains from them due to Yir'as Kel alone, it is pure, without dross.

2.

Radak #2: (This is another way that Torah is better than the sun.) Clouds sometimes cover the sun. Nothing covers Torah.

3.

Malbim: It is unlike Chukim that people decreed. Most of them are Temei'im, like all the abominations done to idolatry, e.g. Zenus and burning children.

4.

Vilna Gaon (Mishlei 30:9, Likutei ha'Gra ibid. 1:7, Even Shleimah Sof Perek 11): When one learns with Yir'as Hashem, the learning is Tahor, without other motivations, and it lasts forever, for he will never separate from it. If he learns due to another matter, when the matter is Batel, [also his learning] is Batel.

4)

Why does it say that Yir'as Hashem is "Omedes la'Ad"?

1.

Radak #1: Some Mitzvos have a limited place and time when they apply. Matters of Yir'as Hashem are forever.

2.

Radak #2: Omedes la'Ad refers to the entire Torah. He commanded it forever, unlike Notzrim who say that it was only until their savior came. Until then it was physical; after him, it is spiritual, and the Mitzvos are metaphors. That is folly. Hashem explicitly commanded! If they were metaphors, there would be doubt how to understand them. It says "Lo Nifleis Hi Mimcha v'Lo Rechokah Hi" (Devarim 30:11)! If Mitzvos are hidden matters unlike the simple meaning 1 , they are covered and far!

3.

Radak #3: (This is another way that Torah is better than the sun.) The sun's light is only during the day, but not at night; Torah is forever.

4.

Malbim: Fear of Hevel (idolatry) is not lasting. They constantly switch their rites, as is known. Yir'as Hashem is eternal.


1

There is a Mitzvah that totally leaves the simple meaning - "v'Hayah ha'Bechor Asher Teled Yakum Al Shem Achiv ha'Mes" (Yevamos 24a; it refers to inheritance, and not to naming the baby. Great Chachamim argued about multitudes of Torah laws! (PF)

5)

What are Mishpatim?

1.

Radak: They are laws Bein Adam l'Chavero.

6)

Why does it say that the Mishpatim are Emes?

1.

Malbim: This contrasts to human Mishpatim. Those are not Emes, for human intellect cannot fathom true Mishpat and the proper punishment for transgressors.

7)

Why does it say "Emes Tzadku Yachdav"?

1.

Rashi (9): All [six aspects of Torah discussed in verses 8-10] are fixed together with Chesed and Emes.

2.

Radak: They are truth revealed to the eyes. Not one has injustice.

3.

Radak: (This is another way that Torah is better than the sun.) The sun's light and warmth are not constant the entire day. They increase until midday, and decrease afterwards. Hashem's Mishpatim do not weaken each other 1 .

4.

Malbim: Human Mishpatim are not in harmony with each other. Hashem's Mishpatim are true together without contradiction between them, or to natural Tzedek.

5.

Erech Apayim (1, note 27, citing Eshkol Anavim): In the world to come, one receives reward and punishment for another's deeds. It seems that this is not Mishpat, until they meet together. Then he realizes that he spoke Leshon ha'Ra about him, therefore he received the other's punishment, and the other received his reward.

6.

Michtav me'Eliyahu (5, p.460, citing R. Yisrael Salanter): Every punishment that one receives affects also others, e.g. his wife and children. Human laws do not heed this. Shamayim's Mishpatim are "Tzadku Yachdav" - also what affects others [they deserved]. This is for one who has his own merit. If not, he is like a Kli dependent on the merit of the one who is judged.


1

I do not understand the contrast. The sun's weakness at the beginning and end of the day is not due to conflict! (PF)

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