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

A BOOK FROM GOD

A Book That Agrees With Science

The Bible is not a science  textbook. It is, however, a book of truth, and truth can stand the test of time.  (John 17:17)  The Bible has not been threatened by scientific discoveries.  When it touches on matters related to science, it is completely free from ancient "scientific" theories that proved to be mere myths.  In fact, it contains statements that not only are scientifically sound but also flatly contradict the accepted opinions of the day.  Consider, for example, the agreement between the Bible and medical science.

Ancient physicians did not fully understand how disease spreads, nor did they realize the importance of sanitation in preventing sickness.  Many ancient medical practices would seem barbaric by modern standards.  One of the oldest medical texts available is the Ebers Papyrus, a compilation of Egyptian medical knowledge, dating from about 1550 B.C.E.  It contains 700 remedies for various afflictions,  "ranging from crocodile bile to toenail pain."  Most of the remedies were merely inaffective, but some of them were extremely dangerous.  For the treatment of a wound, one of the prescriptions recommended applying a mixture of human excrement combined with other substances.

This text of Egyptian medical remedies was written about the same time as the first books of the Bible, which included the Mosaic Law.  Moses, who was born in 1593 B.C.E., grew up in Egypt.  (Exodus 2:1-10)  Raised in Pharaoh's  household, Moses was "instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians."  (Acts 7:22)  He was familiar with "the physicians" of Egypt.  (Genesis 50:1-3)  Did their ineffective or dangerous medical practices influence his writings?

Next time: Conclusion of A Book That Agrees With Science

Watchtower, 1998