"Lo Sateh Mishpat". Whose judgment is the Torah referring to?
Rashi: It is referring to the judgment of any litagant ? even to one who is rich. Refer to 24:17:1:1.
Having written "Lo Sateh Mishpat", why does the Torah need to add "Lo Sakir Panim"?
Having written "Lo Sateh Mishpat", why does the Torah need to say "ve'Lo Sikach Shochad"?
Rashi #1: To teach us that a Dayan may not accept bribes even to judge correctly, for once a Dayan accepts a bribe from one of the litigants, it is impossible for him not to turn his heart against the other litigant. 1
Michtav me'Eliyahu (1, p.54): Someone who takes a bribe once, loses his sense of truth and is blinded for the rest of his life.
What are the connotations of the phrase "Ye'aver Einei Chachamim"?
Targum Yonasan: 'It blinds the eyes of Chachamm and causes them to say foolish things.
Kesuvos, 105a: If even the greatest Chacham accepts bribery, he will not die before he has become 'blind in the heart' (stupid). 1
Oznayim la'Torah: It means that as a punishmen for accepting bribes, the Dayan will become blind. 2
What are the implications of "Vi'yesalef Divrei Tzadikim"?
Rashi, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: It implies that bribery twists (not the Dayanim, but) the righteous words of the Dayanim 1 (during litigation ? Targum Yonasan).
Kesuvos, 105a: "? and even if the greatest Tzadik accepts bribery, he will not die before losing his mind. 2
In MIshpatim Sh'mos, 23:8, the Torah writes that a bribe blinds "Pikchim". Why does it say here "Chachamim"?
Kol Eliyahu and Divrei Eliyahu: Two qualities are needed for a Dayan and a Chacham: 1. He must be a Chacham in Torah who is conversant with the Halachos; 2. He must understand business and people's ability to deceive, so that he can discern when a litigant is lying. The former is called 'Chacham', and the latter, 'Pike'ach'. A bribe makes one lose both of these capabilities. 1
Kol Eliyahu: In Sanhedrin 7b, the Gemara explains "la'Boker Mishpat" to mean ? 'Do not rule (issue a verdict) until it is as clear to you like morning'. "Emor la'Chochmah Achosi At" - 'Do not rule until it is as clear to you as [the Isur of] your sister. The former refers to clarity that there is no swindling, and the latter, to knowing the Halachah.
