A Nation of Tzedek and Mishpat

This week in class, we learned about G-d's decision to destroy Sedom, and of the destiny of the Jewish people to be moral and ethical people (Tzedek and Mishpat). The city of Sedom was known to be home to immoral, unethical, mean, and basically disgusting people. Sedom was also the home to Avraham's nephew, Lot. We see some of the immoral things that went on in Sedom during the story of the 3 angels. Lot's house had been surrounded since he had invited in guests. Those surrounding the house demanded that Lot send out his guests so they could rape them.

G-d decides that He has had enough with their immoral behavior, and as a result He will destroy the entire city. This situation is a lot like the story of Dor HaMabul. In this generation the people were immoral and unethical much like the people of Sedom. G-d had destroyed the entire world due to their immorality and unethical behaviors. All of this just proves how important ethical and moral behavior is to G-d. G-d emphasizes throughout the Tanach that He has no desire for ritual practice when those doing it do not act morally and ethically.

G-d shares his plan to destroy Sedom with Avraham. Why He decides to do this has many answers. It could be that G-d didn't want Avraham to get the wrong idea and think that G-d's plan lacks ethics, or maybe that Avraham needs to prove how moral and ethical HE is so he can inspire the rest of his descendants to follow in his way. As expected, Avraham tries to prevent G-d from destroying the city. He makes a deal with G-d that if he can find 10 righteous people in Sedom, than the city cannot be destroyed. Of course, Avraham cannot even find 10 righteous people, and G-d goes through with His plan. Only Lot and his family are spared.

The fact that Avraham had wanted to save such immoral, evil people shows his kind and moral nature. It is impossible for him to stand aside and let other people be killed. G-d puts Avraham through many other moral and ethical challenges to show his commitment to G-d, and become a role model of Tzedek and Mishpat for his descendants. Because of Avraham, Bnei Yisrael is able to be known for our Tzedek and Mishpat. Even today, the State of Israel is known for always sticking to its ethics even if it's not the most politically-correct decision. Avraham has paved the way for all of Bnei Yisrael so we can become the nation that G-d expects us to be.