"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 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.
