Parshas Mishpatim (מִּשְׁפָּטִים—Hebrew for "laws") sets out a series of laws; some refer to it as the Covenant Code. It reports the people's acceptance of the covenant with God. The parsha addresses laws on Hebrew indentured servants and enslaved people, homicide, kidnapping, harming a parent, assault, a homicidal animal, damage to livestock, theft, damage to crops, bailment, seduction, sorcery, bestiality, apostasy, wronging the disadvantaged, lending, and taking someone's property as a pledge. Laws on duties to God, judicial integrity, and humane treatment of an enemy. Laws concerning the disadvantaged, false charges, bribery, oppressing the stranger, the sabbatical year for crops (שמיטה) the Sabbath, the mention of other gods, the Three Pilgrimage Festivals, sacrifice, and firstfruits. Then, God promised to protect the Israelites and to bring them to the place God had prepared. Hashem commanded that the Israelites were not to serve other gods but to serve only Hashem, and God promised a reward for obedience.
God invited Moshe, Aaron, Nadav, Avihu, and 70 elders to bow to God from afar. Moshe repeated the commandments to the people, who answered: "All the things that the Lord has commanded we will do!" Moshe then wrote the commandments down. He set up an altar, and some young Israelite men offered sacrifices. Moshe read the Book of the Covenant aloud to the people, who once again affirmed that they would follow it. Moshe took blood from the sacrifices and flicked it on the people. Moshe, Aaron, Nadab, Avihu, and the 70 elders of Israel ascended and saw God. Moshe and Yehoshua arose, and Moshe ascended Mount Sinai, leaving Aaron and Chur in charge. A cloud covered the mountain, hiding the Presence of the Lord for six days, appearing to the Israelites as a fire on the top of the hill. Moshe went inside the cloud and remained on the mountain for 40 days and nights.