Treatment of male slaves (vs. 1-6)—Slavery was very common in the ancient world; indeed, it wasn’t until the 19th century of our era that it began to be looked upon with disfavor. In most places, slavery was very brutal. The Israelites had it, but God regulated it. A Jew could enslave another Jew for only six years; he had to be released in the seventh (v. 2). If he was alone when he became a slave (not married), he was to be freed like that, even if he married while a slave. However, if he was married when he became a slave, he could take his wife with him when emancipated (vs. 3-4). Anything he acquired while a slave belonged to his master (v. 4). Interestingly, the slave had the option to remain with his master for life; instructions are given concerning that in verses 5 and 6. This probably happened frequently when the slave married during his tenure as a slave. Notice that such a slave was to serve his master “forever” (v. 6)—obviously, only until the end of life. The word “forever” in Hebrew does not always mean eternal duration, and there are a lot of people who need to understand that.
Interestingly, the ASV, KJV, and NKJV all use the word “servant,” and not “slave.” The New American Standard Version and the English Standard Version use “slave,” and this is more accurate. These people were slaves, involuntary servitude, not servants, a term which implies voluntary service and thus the right to leave at any time.
Treatment of female slaves (vs. 7-11)—Even though the modern mindset would not approve of the Law of Moses’ treatment of women, the Lord does regulate behavior relating to the opposite sex. They were protected against the most egregious treatment of men. A man could sell his daughter into slavery (v. 7), and that might happen under great financial stress; she wasn’t permitted to leave after six years, as were male slaves. However, if her master had betrothed her to himself (promised to marry her), but was not pleased with her, she could be bought back by her family; he could not sell her to anybody else (v. 8), “since he has dealt deceitfully with her,” i.e., promised to marry her but didn’t. If she became his daughter-in-law, then he must treat her as he would one of his own daughters (v. 9). If the master had married the female slave, but took another wife, then the slave-wife had the same privileges as the other wife (v. 10). If he refuses to follow any of these regulations, then the female slave was to be set free (v. 11). These laws were extremely progressive for the mid-second millennium before Christ.
“An eye for an eye” (vs. 12-27)—The next section deals with matters of violence, and the basic principle is “an eye for an eye.” But there were mitigating circumstances that allow for leniency. Murder was punishable by death (vs. 12, 14). Involuntary manslaughter, however, was not a capital crime, but still must be punished; “cities of refuge” were set up where the killer could flee. He couldn’t stay home (v. 13). Striking or cursing one’s parents was a capital crime (vs. 15, 17); parental authority was to be respected—“honor thy father and mother.” Such was/is very important to God because He intended the family to be the foundation of civil society. The current collapse of American morals and decency can be traced, to a great degree, to the degeneration of the family. Kidnapping was a crime to be punished with death (v. 16). If two men fought and one of them was incapacitated, but not killed, then the one who injured the other would pay “for the loss of his time” (v. 19). If a man beat his slave (male or female) and killed him (her), he “shall surely be punished,” though the law doesn’t say how (v. 20). If the slave lived a day or two, then the master was not to be punished; it was assumed that the slave must have died for some other cause (v. 21). Notice, that the slave “is his property.” “Natural rights” is a modern concept, not an ancient one, though Cicero, the great Roman orator, argued for them. That will be well over 1,000 years after the Law of Moses, however. If a woman was hurt by a man during a fight, and gave birth prematurely, then if she and the baby came to no harm, the offender would pay a fine (v. 22). “But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe” (vs. 23-25). The “eye for an eye” judicial ruling was not peculiar to the Law of Moses; it had existed before, and was simply endorsed by God as a fair and just system. If it was a slave who was injured (an eye or tooth is knocked out), then they were allowed their freedom as a result (vs. 26-27).
Culpability for one’s property (vs. 28-36)—Hebrews were also responsible for any damage done by animals under their ownership. The example of an ox is used in these verses. If an ox gored someone to death, it was to be stoned and the flesh not eaten (v. 28). The owner would not be held accountable, unless “the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past” and the owner refused to do anything about it. Then the owner, too, was put to death (v. 29). Or he could redeem his life by paying a fine (v. 30). If somebody else’s ox gored a slave, then the owner was to pay 30 shekels of silver. These are some examples of culpability, which is the principle established in these verses, and the last few verses give a couple more incidents thereof (vs. 33-36).
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments (vs. 1-18)—Here we get into the Law of Moses proper. Most of the rest of Exodus, yea, most of the rest of the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses) will be a unveiling of the Jewish constitution, which was a theocracy, or “rule by God.” At least that was the way it was intended. Eventually, Israel will reject God as its king, but that wasn’t the way it was intended. The Law had ceremonial and moral laws, and is related in detail.
It begins with its most famous message: the Ten Commandments. The first four deal with man’s relationship to God; the last six man’s relationship with humanity. God, rightfully, comes first. The ten laws are as follows, with comments as necessary.
1. “No other gods before Me” (v. 3). He is the only God anyway, and He certainly brooked no higher allegiance than to Himself. Israel had been surrounded in Egypt by pagan gods; they needed to learn to serve the one true God, and Him alone.
2. No graven images (vs. 4-6). Other peoples worshipped carved images; God would not allow such, for it smacked too much of paganism. His justice is far reaching (v. 5), as is His mercy (v. 6).
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain (v. 7). This refers to false oaths, cursing, or any flippant use of God’s name. We must revere God completely, and to use Him name in a common or thoughtless manner reveals a condition of heart that needs to be corrected.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy (vs. 8-11). No work on the Sabbath. Interestingly, there is no mention here of Saturday being a day of worship, only a day of rest. God “made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day” (v. 9), and He instructed the Jews to do the same. It was to be “hallowed” by Israel (v. 11). The Christian day of “rest” is Sunday, the day the Lord Jesus arose from the dead. There is no command in the New Testament not to work on Sunday, but there is instructions to worship on that day. It would be nice to have respect for that day and give it totally to the Lord, but in our materialistic, worldly society, such simply isn’t the rule any more.
The next six commandments concern man’s relations with man.
5. Honor your father and mother (v. 12). Men must learn to respect authority. If one does not respect the authority of parents, he most likely will not respect the authority of God.
6. Do not murder, which is the meaning of the KJV’s “kill” (v. 13). Life is sacred, and given by God. Jesus will show, in the Sermon on the Mount, how obedience to these commands must come from the heart; eliminate hatred, and murder will cease (Matt. 5:21-22). And “love thy neighbor” will be clearly stated later in the Law of Moses. Thus, the attitude of heart described by Jesus is implicit in the commands given here.
7. Do not commit adultery. Trust is essential for any marriage to succeed.
8. Do not steal. Respect for private property—a cornerstone of any free peoples. It isn’t yours, you didn’t earn it, it doesn’t belong to you, don’t take it; such constitutes stealing. Excessive taxation and redistribution of income actually constitutes “theft.” The rich can be guilty of breaking this command, too, by oppressing and extorting from those less wealthy than themselves. This is the claim of the modern liberal. It keeps him in power.
9. Do not bear false witness, i.e., lie. The proper use of the tongue is essential in honorable human relations.
10. Do not covet. Envy, jealousy, and resentment at what others have lead to strife, wars, and conflict. Be satisfied with what is yours.
These are not the only commandments in the Law of Moses, of course, but they are the cornerstone in our association with God and man. If Israel (and us) were to practice the principles and edicts found in these ten laws, then certainly there would be very little sin and iniquity in society. It isn’t obedience to the Ten Commandments that is creating the world’s problems today.
I do believe it is worthy of note that only nine of the ten commandments are in force today. We are not expected to keep the Sabbath. That ceremonial law was abolished at the cross, as was all the Law of Moses. We do not obey the Ten Commandments today because they are binding on us; we honor these laws because all of them (save the Sabbath) are also found in the New Testament.
The people fear (vs. 18-21)—The awesome power of God was still on display (v. 18), and “when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.” They wanted Moses to intercede for them (v. 19). Moses told them not to fear, but there was a purpose behind these divine demonstrations: “God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” (v. 20). There is a direct correlation between fearing (reverencing, respecting God) and not sinning. The people kept their distance while Moses approached Jehovah (v. 22).
Instructions concerning the altar (vs. 22-26)—The people were to make burnt offering to God. Israel was largely an agricultural society, thus their “wealth” consisted of their flocks and herds. The altar upon which the sacrifices were made was, in and of itself, of no real importance, thus God didn’t want them to waste time—at the moment—constructing an elaborate one. That would change when He gave instructions concerning the tabernacle and temple. But at the moment, a simply altar was sufficient. The idea in verse 26 “Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it” not only concerned modesty, but was a rebuke of pagan idolatry, the priests of which built their temples, etc. on elevated sites, thinking that height meant closeness to their gods.
It begins with its most famous message: the Ten Commandments. The first four deal with man’s relationship to God; the last six man’s relationship with humanity. God, rightfully, comes first. The ten laws are as follows, with comments as necessary.
1. “No other gods before Me” (v. 3). He is the only God anyway, and He certainly brooked no higher allegiance than to Himself. Israel had been surrounded in Egypt by pagan gods; they needed to learn to serve the one true God, and Him alone.
2. No graven images (vs. 4-6). Other peoples worshipped carved images; God would not allow such, for it smacked too much of paganism. His justice is far reaching (v. 5), as is His mercy (v. 6).
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain (v. 7). This refers to false oaths, cursing, or any flippant use of God’s name. We must revere God completely, and to use Him name in a common or thoughtless manner reveals a condition of heart that needs to be corrected.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy (vs. 8-11). No work on the Sabbath. Interestingly, there is no mention here of Saturday being a day of worship, only a day of rest. God “made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day” (v. 9), and He instructed the Jews to do the same. It was to be “hallowed” by Israel (v. 11). The Christian day of “rest” is Sunday, the day the Lord Jesus arose from the dead. There is no command in the New Testament not to work on Sunday, but there is instructions to worship on that day. It would be nice to have respect for that day and give it totally to the Lord, but in our materialistic, worldly society, such simply isn’t the rule any more.
The next six commandments concern man’s relations with man.
5. Honor your father and mother (v. 12). Men must learn to respect authority. If one does not respect the authority of parents, he most likely will not respect the authority of God.
6. Do not murder, which is the meaning of the KJV’s “kill” (v. 13). Life is sacred, and given by God. Jesus will show, in the Sermon on the Mount, how obedience to these commands must come from the heart; eliminate hatred, and murder will cease (Matt. 5:21-22). And “love thy neighbor” will be clearly stated later in the Law of Moses. Thus, the attitude of heart described by Jesus is implicit in the commands given here.
7. Do not commit adultery. Trust is essential for any marriage to succeed.
8. Do not steal. Respect for private property—a cornerstone of any free peoples. It isn’t yours, you didn’t earn it, it doesn’t belong to you, don’t take it; such constitutes stealing. Excessive taxation and redistribution of income actually constitutes “theft.” The rich can be guilty of breaking this command, too, by oppressing and extorting from those less wealthy than themselves. This is the claim of the modern liberal. It keeps him in power.
9. Do not bear false witness, i.e., lie. The proper use of the tongue is essential in honorable human relations.
10. Do not covet. Envy, jealousy, and resentment at what others have lead to strife, wars, and conflict. Be satisfied with what is yours.
These are not the only commandments in the Law of Moses, of course, but they are the cornerstone in our association with God and man. If Israel (and us) were to practice the principles and edicts found in these ten laws, then certainly there would be very little sin and iniquity in society. It isn’t obedience to the Ten Commandments that is creating the world’s problems today.
I do believe it is worthy of note that only nine of the ten commandments are in force today. We are not expected to keep the Sabbath. That ceremonial law was abolished at the cross, as was all the Law of Moses. We do not obey the Ten Commandments today because they are binding on us; we honor these laws because all of them (save the Sabbath) are also found in the New Testament.
The people fear (vs. 18-21)—The awesome power of God was still on display (v. 18), and “when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.” They wanted Moses to intercede for them (v. 19). Moses told them not to fear, but there was a purpose behind these divine demonstrations: “God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” (v. 20). There is a direct correlation between fearing (reverencing, respecting God) and not sinning. The people kept their distance while Moses approached Jehovah (v. 22).
Instructions concerning the altar (vs. 22-26)—The people were to make burnt offering to God. Israel was largely an agricultural society, thus their “wealth” consisted of their flocks and herds. The altar upon which the sacrifices were made was, in and of itself, of no real importance, thus God didn’t want them to waste time—at the moment—constructing an elaborate one. That would change when He gave instructions concerning the tabernacle and temple. But at the moment, a simply altar was sufficient. The idea in verse 26 “Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it” not only concerned modesty, but was a rebuke of pagan idolatry, the priests of which built their temples, etc. on elevated sites, thinking that height meant closeness to their gods.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Exodus 19
Camping before Mt. Sinai (vs. 1-2)—The people had been gone from Egypt three months when they arrived before the famed mount where they would receive their law. The Arabs call the mountain “the mount of Moses.” Sinai means “bush” or “bushes,” so designated, no doubt, for the appearance of God to Moses in the burning bush. Another name for the mountain, which actually has two peaks, is Horeb.
“A special treasure” (vs. 3-6)—The Lord called Moses up to the mountain (v. 3), and gave him a message to deliver to the people. Reminding them again of what He had done for them in Egypt (v. 4), Jehovah then sets forth the conditional promise that “if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (vs. 5-6). Nearly all of God’s promises are conditional; we obey, He blesses. Well, He’s good enough to bless people even when they don’t obey—He sends the rain and sunshine on the just and the unjust (Mt. 5:45), but to be a “special treasure” requires submission to His will.
The people accept Jehovah’s words (vs. 7-8)—Moses transmitted the message to the people, and they responded “All that the LORD has spoken we will do” (v. 8). Which was a bunch of hooey, this group was never obedient to God.
Consecrating the people (vs. 9-15)—Yet, the awesome events on top of the mountain did put a fright into the people. The Lord came to Moses in a thick cloud—clouds are often associated with a “coming” of the Lord; part of this awe-inspiring appearance was that the people might have greater faith in God and Moses (v. 9). Yet, when Jehovah was near, consecration was necessary, and He told Moses to command the Israelites to prepare themselves, for on the third day “the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people” (v. 11). They would not literally see Him, of course, but they would know, by the majesty of the happenings, that He was there. No one was to come near the mountain: “Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death” (v. 12), “whether man or beast” (v. 13). The people were to wash their clothes (v. 14), symbolizing inner purification, and not “come near your wives” (vs. 14-15). Mental, physical, and spiritual preparation before the holiness of Jehovah. I wonder how well we prepare ourselves before we approach the Lord every Sunday.
The Holy Mountain (vs. 16-25)—And indeed, “on the third day, in the morning…there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled” (v. 16). The people stood before the mountain (v. 17), which was encompassed “in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire” (v. 18). The whole mountain “quaked greatly” (v. 18). It must have been an breathtaking, thrilling sight. The Lord once again called Moses to Him (v. 20), and told him again to warn the people to stay away from the mountain (vs. 22-24). Humans cannot touch the holy things of God without His approval. It would be nice to see such reverence and fear of the Lord today. And we should be very well aware of the awesome majesty of His power, that He brooks no disobedience or flippancy in His presence. This scene at Mt. Sinai, at the appearance of the Lord, was indeed a frightening one for the children of Israel, and it should be for us. Tragically, they did not learn from it, and most people today don’t seem to have the proper reverence when they approach God, either. I wonder sometimes what the Lord thinks when people be-bop into worship services dressed in tennis shoes, shorts, and T-shirts, talking about every worldly thing they can think of up to the very second before the worship period begins.. Is that really respectful of God? Our outward actions are a manifestation of what is truly in our hearts. Which wins, reverence or our own comfort and convenience?
“A special treasure” (vs. 3-6)—The Lord called Moses up to the mountain (v. 3), and gave him a message to deliver to the people. Reminding them again of what He had done for them in Egypt (v. 4), Jehovah then sets forth the conditional promise that “if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (vs. 5-6). Nearly all of God’s promises are conditional; we obey, He blesses. Well, He’s good enough to bless people even when they don’t obey—He sends the rain and sunshine on the just and the unjust (Mt. 5:45), but to be a “special treasure” requires submission to His will.
The people accept Jehovah’s words (vs. 7-8)—Moses transmitted the message to the people, and they responded “All that the LORD has spoken we will do” (v. 8). Which was a bunch of hooey, this group was never obedient to God.
Consecrating the people (vs. 9-15)—Yet, the awesome events on top of the mountain did put a fright into the people. The Lord came to Moses in a thick cloud—clouds are often associated with a “coming” of the Lord; part of this awe-inspiring appearance was that the people might have greater faith in God and Moses (v. 9). Yet, when Jehovah was near, consecration was necessary, and He told Moses to command the Israelites to prepare themselves, for on the third day “the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people” (v. 11). They would not literally see Him, of course, but they would know, by the majesty of the happenings, that He was there. No one was to come near the mountain: “Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death” (v. 12), “whether man or beast” (v. 13). The people were to wash their clothes (v. 14), symbolizing inner purification, and not “come near your wives” (vs. 14-15). Mental, physical, and spiritual preparation before the holiness of Jehovah. I wonder how well we prepare ourselves before we approach the Lord every Sunday.
The Holy Mountain (vs. 16-25)—And indeed, “on the third day, in the morning…there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled” (v. 16). The people stood before the mountain (v. 17), which was encompassed “in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire” (v. 18). The whole mountain “quaked greatly” (v. 18). It must have been an breathtaking, thrilling sight. The Lord once again called Moses to Him (v. 20), and told him again to warn the people to stay away from the mountain (vs. 22-24). Humans cannot touch the holy things of God without His approval. It would be nice to see such reverence and fear of the Lord today. And we should be very well aware of the awesome majesty of His power, that He brooks no disobedience or flippancy in His presence. This scene at Mt. Sinai, at the appearance of the Lord, was indeed a frightening one for the children of Israel, and it should be for us. Tragically, they did not learn from it, and most people today don’t seem to have the proper reverence when they approach God, either. I wonder sometimes what the Lord thinks when people be-bop into worship services dressed in tennis shoes, shorts, and T-shirts, talking about every worldly thing they can think of up to the very second before the worship period begins.. Is that really respectful of God? Our outward actions are a manifestation of what is truly in our hearts. Which wins, reverence or our own comfort and convenience?
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