Conclusion of The Mosaic Law - An Overview

Statutes of the Law covenant stated that sexual relations and childbirth - even among married people - brought on a period of uncleanness. (Leviticus 12:2-4; 15:16-18;) Such statutes did not denigrate these clean gifts from God. (Genesis 1:28; 2:18-25) Rather, those laws upheld Jehovah's holiness, keeping his worshipers free from contamination. It is noteworthy that the nations surrounding Israel tended to mix worship with sex and fertility rites. Canaanite religion included male and female prostitution. Degradation of the worst sort resulted and spread. In contrast, the Law made the worship of Jehovah entirely separate from sexual matters. There were othere benefits too.

Those laws served to teach a vital truth. How, after all, is the stain of Adam's sin transmitted from one generation to the next? Is it not through sexual relations and childbirth? (Romans 5:12) Yes, God's Law reminded his people of the ever-present reality of sin. All of us, in fact, are born in sin. (Psalm 51:5) We need forgiveness and redemption in order to draw close to our Holy God.

The Law upheld Jehovah's perfect justice. The Mosaic Law advocated the principle of equivalence, or balance, in matters of justice. Thus, the law stated: "Soul will be for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." (Deuteronomy 19:21) In criminal cases , then, the punishment had to fit the crime. This aspect of divine justice permeated the Law and to this day is essential to understanding the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus, as Chapter 14 will show. -1 Timothy 2:5, 6

The Law also included safeguards against the perversion of justice. For instance, at least two witnesses were required in order to establish the validity of an accusation. The penalty for perjury was severe. (Deuteronomy 19:15,18, 19) Corruption and bribery were also strictly forbidden. (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 27:25) Even in their business practices, God's people had to uphold Jehovah's lofty standard of justice. (Leviticus 19:35, 36; Deuteronomy 23:19, 20) That noble and just legal code was a great blessing to Israel!

Next time: Laws That Highlight Judicial Mercy And Fair Treatment

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002