Why judgement is great

Rosh Hashanah is the Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgment. Hashem’s attribute of judgment, Din, has an ominous tone; strict enforcement of the letter of the law and no mercy. Yet there is another side to it too. The Gemarah (shabbos) relates a dramatic debate between Yitzchak Avinu and Hashem. Hashem will say to our forefathers; “Your children have sinned against Me!” Avraham will respond “If so, wipe them out!” Yaakov will say the same. Then Hashem will go to Yitzchak Avinu and will say to him; “Your children have sinned!” Yitzchak will reply “First of all, they are not only my children, they are Yours too. You also ought to try and help them. Second of all, let’s examine the facts; acts done until the age of twenty are not counted by the Heavenly court. So of the seventy years man lives only fifty years are of account. Half of them are spent in sleep. Twenty five. Half again are davening eating and bathroom time. Only twelve and a half years of possible sin are left. Either take this on You, Hashem, or we can split it half-half. Should You insist that I ought to take it all on me, didn’t I go up on the Akeida for You?” And with that the Jewish people will be saved.

The question is why was it only Yitzchak Avinu, who represents Din, Justice, the very opposite of mercy, the one to speak up? The answer is that Din goes two ways; it demands it’s due from us, but also it demands what is due to us. The Ramchal explains that ?’ sometimes shows interest in this world, and sometimes shows indifference. When He shows interest that is called Middas Hamishpat. He is concerned about the world! He will examine how matters lie, and take the measures necessary to make things right. Sometimes the result may be against us, but oftener it is all to our benefit. It is unreasonable that those doing wickedness be prosperous and powerful. Good things really ought to be given to good people only. So judgment of the world means that He will raise the status of rightous folk, and give them political, financial and physical power. And it means that He will knock down the positions of the wicked, as matters ought to stand. Mishpat, Din.