A BOOK FROM GOD

  Conclusion of  A Book That Agrees With Science

On the contrary, the Mosaic Law included sanitary regulations that would be  considered reasonable by modern medical science.  For example, a law regarding military encampments required that excrement be buried outside the camp.  (Deuteronomy 23:13) This was a profoundly advanced preventive measure.  It  helped keep the water sources free from contamination and provided protection from fly-borne shigellosis and other diarrheic illnesses that still claims millions of lives each year, mostly in developing lands.

The Mosaic Law contained other sanitary regulations that helped prevent the spread of infectious diseases.  A person who had or was suspected of having a communicable disease was quarantined.  (Leviticus 13:1-5)  Garments or vessels that came in contact with an animal that had died of itself (perhaps from disease) were to be either washed before reuse or destroyed.  (Leviticus 11:27, 28, 32, 33)  Any person who touched a corpse was considered unclean and had to undergo a cleansing procedure that included washing his garments and bathing.  During the seven-day period of uncleanness, he was to avoid physical contact with others. -Numbers 19:1-13.

This sanitary code reveals wisdom that was far ahead of its  time.  Modern medical science has learned much about the spread and prevention of disease.  For example, medical advances in the 19th century led to the introduction of antisepsis-cleanliness to reduce infections.  The result was a significant reduction in infections and premature deaths.  In the year 1900, life expectancy at the time of birth in many European  countries and in the United States was less than 50.  Since then, it has increased  dramatically, not only on account of medical progress in controlling disease but also because of better sanitation and living conditions. 

Yet, thousands of  years before medical science learned how disease spreads, the Bible prescribed  reasonable preventive measures as a safeguard against disease.   Not surprisingly, Moses could speak of Israelites in general in his day as living to 70 or 80 years of age.  (Psalm +90:10)  How could Moses have known about  such sanitary regulations?  The Bible itself explains:  "The Law code "was transmitted through angels."  (Galatians 3:19)  Yes, the Bible is not a book of human wisdom; it is a book from God.

Next time: A Practical Book for Modern Living

Watchtower, 1998