בס”ד
In the Torah portion Emor, Chapter 24, verses 10-23, the story of the blasphemer, who cursed the name of G-d, is described. Not cursing the holy name of G-d is one of the Seven Noahide Laws, which apply to all people. The root of the prohibition against cursing G-d lies in the fundamental obligation imposed on every created being to recognize the goodness of their Creator and to honor Him. Similar to the natural obligation to honor parents, there is a fundamental obligation upon every human being, by virtue of being created by G-d, to recognize the status of G-d as Creator, Leader of the world, and Sovereign of all creation, and to treat Him with respect and reverence.
The prohibition against cursing G-d is also connected to the right and the obligation to recognize the goodness of G-d, who is the source of all goodness in the world. Every created being and every moment of existence is a testimony to the goodness of G-d and His grace. Disrespecting G-d is an expression of absolute denial of His goodness. Respecting the name of G-d encourages the approach of gratitude and appreciation for His actions in the world.
The prohibition of cursing G-d is not only a negative prohibition (“thou shalt not do”), but also has a positive side. The positive aspect of this Noahide commandment is love and fear of G-d, which is a logical obligation for Noahides. Cursing G-d stems from a lack of fear of G-d. The opposite of this is reverence (fear of G-d) and love of G-d. The prohibition of cursing G-d requires an attitude of respect and fear of G-d’s infinite greatness.
Some halachic jurists (Rabbi Yonatan Steif, Mitzvot HaShem, page 452, Hemdat Israel page 88) have written that the prohibition of cursing applies to both a Noahide judge and a righteous leader. Accordingly, it would be forbidden to curse a judge in a Noahide court of law, as written in the verse: “Thou shalt not curse G-d nor the ruler of your people” (Exodus 22:28). Although this is not a specific commandment that applies to Noahides but rather it applies only to Jews, it is appropriate to honor the Noahide judges by virtue of their being the ones who supervise the application of G-d’s commandments in the world.
The prohibition of not cursing G-d in Parashat Emor is a fundamental commandment, which stems from the basic obligation of respect for the Creator and recognition of His infinite goodness. It aims to develop a positive attitude of love and fear of G-d, which in turn creates a motivation to serve Him properly.
Sources: Leviticus 19:14, Tractate Sanhedrin 56a. Rabbi Yonatan Steif, Mitzvot HaShem, page 452, Hemdat Israel page 88.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
