Shalom, Mishpacha!
“If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity - he shall surely live, he shall not die.”
- Yechezqel 33:15
When we speak of restitution, we are speaking of justice in action - the visible fruit of repentance. YHVH’s Torah is not silent about returning what was taken unjustly or bearing false witness that results in loss for another. To restore is to acknowledge that truth and righteousness matter more than gain. Whether through deception, silence, or false testimony, any theft of peace, property, or reputation must be made right before YHVH can bless the hands of the doer again.
The mitzvot for today teach that restitution is both obedience and reconciliation. The one who has taken by theft, deception, or false witness must return what was taken and seek to repair the harm. This includes correcting altered documents, admitting false testimony, and restoring pledged goods. Restitution must be accompanied by confession and humility so that the social and spiritual order is repaired.
Practical application: if you discover you have benefit from another by deceit or negligence, act immediately to restore it. If you have given false testimony - even by silence - go and correct it. The community is healed when truth is spoken and restitution is made. Let this be our discipline: swift repair, generous restoration, and transparent confession.
Abba YHVH, give us courage to make restitution where we have wronged others - by theft, by false witness, or by altering what was entrusted to us. Cleanse our lips from lies and our hands from taking by deceit. Teach us to restore with humility and to seek reconciliation above our own convenience. Protect the righteous who labour faithfully; protect those who proclaim Your Word; and protect them from every side with a host of angels. May Your mercy accompany every act of repair.
Baruch YHVH.
May YHVH bless you and keep you.
May YHVH make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and give you shalom.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.