Shabbos as a Prototype for All the Mitzvos
5. The above explanation, however, does not entirely suffice. As mentioned above, in Hilchos Shabbos, Rambam states, “This teaches that the judgments of the Torah do not...,” i.e., Rambam is speaking about the mitzvos as a whole. This is also reflected by the simple meaning of the verse, “so that by fulfilling them man will live,” i.e., that it refers to all the mitzvos. If so, seemingly, instead of mentioning this point in Hilchos Shabbos, Rambam should have mentioned it in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah where he speaks about the obligation to preserve one’s life with regard to all the mitzvos.
Accordingly, we are forced to say that although the concept derived applies to all “the judgments of the Torah,” as Rambam states in Hilchos Shabbos, the point receives particular emphasis regarding Shabbos. Therefore, Rambam states this principle only in Hilchos Shabbos and also adds there the contrast, “[Concerning] those non-believers who say that [administering such treatment to one who is dangerously ill] constitutes a violation of the Sabbath and is forbidden...,” as will be explained below.
