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We can divide the Torah's commandments into two categories, mishpatim and ĥukim. Mishpatim are laws the reasons for which are fairly clear, and we might have understood their rationale even without having been commanded by God. Nevertheless, having a divine command may give the rule greater precision, direction, and weight. Hukim are laws which we would not have thought of on our own. Since God did command them, we observe them with the faith that all His commandments are for our benefit. At the same time, we may try to find reasons for them.
The previous chapter about kashrut was primarily about ĥukim (such as the prohibition on mixing meat and milk). In contrast, the chapters about interpersonal mitzvot (ch. 3-7) were primarily about mishpatim. Many mitzvot are a combination of ĥok and mishpat. One example is the mitzva of kosher slaughter (24:10 above). While fundamentally it is a ĥok, it includes an element of inculcating mercy, so it is a mishpat as well. Below we will look at some ĥukim and mishpatim we have not yet dealt with.
