Israel was not the only nation to have a law code. Such collections were common among the countries of the ancient world. The Mosaic Law or the biblical law code was different, first of all, in its origin. Throughout the ancient world, the laws of most nations were believed to originate with the gods but they were considered intensely personal and subjective in the way they were applied. Even the gods were under the law and they could suffer punishment if they violated it - unless, of course, they were powerful and able to conquer the punishers. The king ruled under the god whose temple and property he oversaw. Although he did not live under a written law code, he had a personal relationship to the god. Therefore, law was decided ultimately case by case and at the king's discretion. For most of a king's lifetime, his laws were kept secret.
By contrast, the Mosaic Law or the biblical concept was that Law comes from God, issues from His nature, and is holy, righteous and good. Furthermore, at the outset of God's ruling over Israel at Sinai, God the great King gave His laws. These laws were binding on His people and He upheld them. Moreover, His laws were universal. Ancient orient kings often tried to outdo their predecessors in image, economic power, and political influence. This was often their motivation in setting forth law codes. God, however, depicts His law as an expression of His love for His people.
You, yourselves have seen what I did with the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. From this you know that now if you obey my voice and hold fast to my covenant, you of all the nations shall be my very own for all the earth is mine. I will count you a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation. - Ex. 19:4-6 -
The "eye for eye" and "tooth for tooth" requirement of the Mosaic Law was not harsh statement that required cruel punishment. Instead, it was a mandate for equality before the law. Each criminal had to pay for his own crime. Under the law codes of some pagan nations, the rich often could buy their way out of punishment. God's law especially protected the defenseless and stranger from injustice. - Num. 35:31; Ex. 21:20-24 -
The Book of Leviticus in chapter 17 to 26 or as it is refers to "holiness code". Although it does not contain all of God's directions for ceremonial holiness, it does set forth much of what God requires. These chapters contain moral and ritual specifications regarding the tabernacle and public worship as well as the command to love one's neighbour as oneself.
You must not slander your own people and you must not jeopardize your neighbour's life. I am Yahweh. You must not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. You must openly tell him, your neighbour of his offence; this way you will not take a sin upon yourself. You must not exact vengeance nor must you bear a grudge against the children of your people. You must love your neighbour as yourself. I am Yahweh. - Lev. 19:16-18 -
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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