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Court of Mi Kah

Written by Eric Reynolds

January 12, 2012

The Marshall raps the gavel. “All rise for the honourable Chief Justice Mi Kah.”

Those assembled take their seat before the bench. “This court is now in session. Let the plaintiff now plead his case.”

“Thank you, your Honour. May it please the court. My name is Elohim.” The man breaches protocol and turns toward those gathered, eyes misty, desperate. “My people, what wrong have I done to you?”

The Marshall leans over and whispers to the judge, “He’s not supposed to do that is He your honour? You know, start by asking a question…”

“He can do whatever He wants. He owns this courtroom.”

A hush settles over those gathered. Neighbours look at one another, guilt written all over their faces.

Finally, a representative for the defendant steps forward and approaches the stand. “W-what does He – er – You want?” The man nervously glances between the judge and the plaintiff: no response. “Standard procedure? You know, the usual fine?” Still silence. The defendant isn’t within bargaining range and he knows it. He exhales and glances at his people. The elders whisper among themselves and wave an offering hand to signal the man. He swallows, “Ok. The maximum fine and all collateral?” No change in His demeanor. Can He even refuse such an offer? The people begin to cry; women first, followed by the men in moaning and loud shouts.

How much will He demand? Are they beyond justification?

Amidst the cries of “We are ruined!” and “Woe is me!” comes a desperate plea. “Will you take our families as payment? Our children?”

“Enough!” In an unprecedented burst, the judge throws back his seat and stands, leaning over the bench and leering down at the defendant. The assembly quiets, startled by the Chief Justice’s lack of composure. The judge turns from the man to the crowd, scrutinizing the people who squint back through teary, puzzled eyes. “Do you not know?” Silence. “DO YOU NOT KNOW?” Thousands flinch at the reprimand. “The questions you have asked are not appropriate means of justification. You have broken the contract you made with Elohim and it is clear to me in your offer that you misunderstand Him entirely.”

Hundreds of heads hang in shame. “Although you know what is required of you, I will repeat what has been said for generations. This is my verdict: first, you must act justly and treat all people fairly at all times. Second, in your justice, act mercifully until you yourselves become merciful. Third, and this you have known for many years but I will say in a new way, you are to consider Elohim as far greater than yourselves, submitting and surrendering to Him in all things. This hearing is adjourned.”

Fictional adaptation based upon Micah 6:8 and inspired by Ronald T. Hyman in the Jewish Bible Quarterly.