"The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" - Laws That Highlight Judicial Mercy and Fair Treatment

Was the Mosaic Law a rigid, unmerciful body of rules?  Far from it! King David was inspired  to write:  "The law of Jehovah is perfect."  (Psalm 19:7) As he well knew, the Law promoted mercy and fair treatment. How did it do so?

In some lands today, the law seems to show more leniency and favor to the criminals  than it does concern for the victims.  For instance, thieves may spend time in prison.  Meanwhile, the victims may still be without their goods, yet they have to pay the taxes that house and feed such criminals.  In ancient Israel, there were no prisons as we know them today.  There were strict limits regarding the severity of punishments.  (Deuteronomy 25:1-3)  A thief had to compensate the victim for what had been stolen.  In addition, the thief had to make further payment.  How much? It varied. Evidently,the judges were given latitude to weigh a number of factors, such as the sinner's repentance.  That would explain why the compensation  required from a thief according to Leviticus 6:1-7 is far less than that specified at Exodus 22:7. 

The Law mercifully acknowledged that not all wrongs are deliberate.  For example, when a man killed someone by accident, he did not have to pay soul for soul if he took the right action by fleeing to one of the cities of refuge scattered throughout Israel.  After qualified judges examined his case, he had to reside in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest.  Then he would be free to live wherever he chose.  Thus he benefited from divine mercy. At the same time, this law emphasized the great value of human life. - Numbers 15:30, 31; 35:12-25.



Next time: "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" -Continue with Laws That Highlight Judicial Mercy and Fair Treatment

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" -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; 15:16-1)  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 other 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 foot, 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: "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" - Laws That Highlight Judicial Mercy and Fair Treatment

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" - The Mosaic Law-An Overview

Many seem to think that the Mosaic Law was an unwieldy set of laws. Such a notion is far from the truth.  There are over 600 laws in the entire code.  That may sound like  a lot, but just think: By the end of the 20th century,the federal laws of the United States filled over 150,000 pages of legal books.  Every two years some 600 more laws are added!  So in terms of sheer volume, the mountain of human laws dwarf the Mosaic Law.  Yet, God's Law governed the Israelites in areas of life that modern laws do not even begin to touch. Consider an overview.  

The Law exalted Jehovah's sovereignty.  Thus, the Mosaic Law is beyond comparison with any other law code.  The greatest of its laws was this:  "Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. and you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force."  How were God's people to express love for him?  They were to serve him, submitting to his sovereignty. -Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; 11:13. 

Each Israelite showed his acceptance of Jehovah's sovereignty by submitting to those placed in authority over him. Parents, chieftains, judges, priests and, eventually the king all represented divine authority.  Jehovah viewed any rebellion against those in authority as rebellion against him.  On the other hand, those in authority risked Jehovah's wrath if they dealt unjustly or arrogantly with his people.  (Exodus 20:12; 22:28; Deuteronomy 1:16, 17; 17:8-20; 19:16, 17)  Both sides were thus responsible for upholding God's sovereignty. 

The Law upheld Jehovah's standard of holiness.   The words "holy" and "holiness" occur over 280 times in the Mosaic Law.  The Law helped God's people  to distinguish between what was clean and unclean, pure and impure,citing about 70 different things that could render an Israelite ceremonially  unclean.  These Laws touched on physical hygiene, diet, and even waste disposal.  Such laws provided remarkable health benefits.  But they had a higher purpose-that of keeping the people in Jehovah's favor, separate from the sinful practices of the debased nations surrounding them. Consider an example. 

Next time: "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" -Conclusion of The Mosaic Law-An Overview

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" -The Supreme Lawgiver

"One there is that this lawgiver and judge," the Bible tells us. (James 4:12) Indeed, Jehovah is the only true Lawgiver. Even the movements of the heavenly bodies are governed  by his "celestial laws."  (Job 38:33, The New Jerusalem Bible)  Jehovah's myriads of holy angels  are likewise governed by divine law, for they are organized into definite ranks and serve under Jehovah's command as his ministers. -Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:7, 14. 

Jehovah has given laws to mankind as well. Each of us has a conscience, a reflection of Jehovah's sense of justice, the conscience can help us  to distinguish right from wrong.  (Romans 2:14)  Our first parents were blessed  with a perfect conscience, so they needed but a few laws.  (Genesis 2:15-17)  Imperfect man, however, needs more laws to guide him in the doing of God's will.  Such patriarchs such as Noah, Abraham, and Jacob received laws from Jehovah God and transmitted these to their families.  (Genesis 6:22; 9:3-6; 18:19; 26:4, 5)  Jehovah caused himself to become Lawgiver in an unprecedented way when he gave the nation of Israel a Law code by means of Moses.  This legal code offers  us extensive insight into Jehovah's sense of justice. 

Next time: "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" - The Mosaic Law-An Overview

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

Chapter 13/ "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect"

"LAW is a bottomless pit, it . . . devours everything."  That statement appeared in a book published back in 1712.  Its author decried a legal system in which lawsuits sometimes dragged through the courts for years, bankrupting those seeking justice.  In many lands, legal and judicial systems are so complex, so rife with injustice, prejudice and inconsistencies, that contempt for law has become widespread. 

By way of contrast, consider these words written some 2,700 years ago: "How do I love your law!"  (Psalm 119:97)  Why did the psalmist feel so strongly? Because the law he praise originated, not with any secular government, but with Jehovah God. As you study Jehovah's laws, you may come to feel more and more and the psalmist did.  Such a study will give you insight into the greatest  judicial mind in the universe.

Next time: Chapter 13/"The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" - The Supreme Lawgiver

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"Is There Injustice With God?" - Have Confidence in Jehovah's Justice

The Bible does not address every question regarding Jehovah's actions in the past; nor does it provide every detail about how Jehovah will render judgment concerning individuals and groups in the future.  When we are puzzled by accounts or prophecies in the Bible where such detail is lacking, we can display the same loyalty as did the prophet Micah, who wrote:  "I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation." -Micah 7:7. 

We can be confident that in every situation, Jehovah will do what is right.  Even when injustices are seemingly  ignored by man, Jehovah promises:  "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." (Romans 12:19)  If we show a  waiting attitude, we will echo the firm conviction expressed by the apostle Paul: "Is there injustice with God? Never may that become so!" -Romans 9:14. 

In the meantime, we live in "critical times hard to deal with."  ( 2 Timothy 3:1)   Injustice and "acts of oppression" have resulted in many cruel abuses.  (Ecclesiastes 4:1)  However, Jehovah has not changed.  He still hates injustice, and he cares deeply for those who are victims  of it.  If we remain loyal to Jehovah and his sovereignty, he will give us the strength to endure until the appointed time when he will correct all injustices under his Kingdom rule. -1 Peter 5:6, 7.  

Next time: Chapter 13/ "The Law of Jehovah Is Perfect" 

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah

"Is There Injustice With God?" - Why God's Justice Is Superior

Note:  I am sorry that I haven't been able to do my blogs for this week or so.  I have had the flu; today is suppose to be the last day, but the last time, I felt even a little bit better, I got fooled. So please be patient with me, I am truly trying, plus, I have great pain in my shoulder and arm, the one I always use, of course.  Again, I am so sorry. I feel really bad when I can't do these.  



Concerning Jehovah, it can rightly be said:  "All his ways are justice." (Deuteronomy 32:4)  None of us can make such a claim about ourselves, for so often our limited perspective clouds our perception of what is right.  For example, consider Abraham.  He pleaded with Jehovah concerning the destruction of Sodom-despite the rampant wickedness there.  He asked Jehovah: "Will you really sweep away the righteous and the wicked?"  (Genesis 18:23-33)  Of course, the answer is no. It was only when righteous Lot and his daughters arrived safely at the city of Zoar that Jehovah made it rain sulphur and fire" upon Sodom.  (Genesis 19:22-24) In contrast, Jonah became "hot with anger" when God extended mercy to the people of Nineveh.  Since Jonah had already announced their destruction, he would have been content  to see them exterminated-regardless of their heartfelt repentance. -Jonah 3:10-4:1.

Jehovah reassured Abraham that His exercise of justice includes not only destroying the wicked but also but also saving the righteous. On the other hand, Jonah had  to learn that Jehovah is merciful.  If the wicked changed their ways, he is "ready to forgive."  (Psalm 86:5)  Unlike some insecure humans, Jehovah does not administer adverse judgment simply to make a statement about his power, nor does he withhold compassion out of fear that he will be viewed as  weak.  His way is to show mercy whenever there is a basis for it. -Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:23. 

However, Jehovah is not blinded by mere sentiment.  When his people became steeped in Idolatry, Jehovah firmly declared:   "I will judge you according to your ways."  (Ezekiel 7:3, 4)  So when humans are hardened in their course, Jehovah judges accordingly.  But his judgment is based on solid evidence.  Thus, when a loud "cry of complaint" reached his ears regarding Sodom and Gomorrah, Jehovah stated: "I am quite determined  to go down that I may see whether they act together according to  the outcry over it that has come to me."  (Genesis 18:20, 21)  How thankful we can be that Jehovah is not like many humans who jump to conclusions before hearing all the facts!  Truly, Jehovah is as the Bible depicts him," a God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice." -Deuteronomy  32:4. 

Next time: "Is There Injustice With God?" - Have Confidence in Jehovah's Justice

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"Is There Injustice With God?" -The Issue of Man's Integrity

Note: I am having some problems with my health and need to bow out for a few days, give or take. Please forgive me and say a  prayer for me.  Thank you.



there is another aspect of this matter.  In challenging the rightfulness and righteousness of God's rule, not only has Satan slandered Jehovah with regard to His sovereignty; he has also  slandered God's servants concerning their integrity.  Note, for example, what Satan said to Jehovah regard the righteous man Job. "Have not you yourself put up a hedge  about him and his house and about everything that he has all around?  The work of his hands you have blessed, and his livestock itself has spread abroad in the earth.  But, for a change, thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will not curse you to your very face." -Job 1:10, 11. 

Satan contended that Jehovah was using His protective power to buy Job's devotion.  In turn, this implied that Job's integrity was a mere sham, that he worshiped God only for what he could in return.  Satan asserted that if Job was deprived of God's blessing, even that man would curse his Creator.  Satan knew that Job was outstanding in being "blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad."  So  if Satan could break Job's integrity, what would that says for the rest of mankind?  Thus Satan was really calling into question the loyalty of all of those who want to serve God.  Indeed, broadening the issue, Satan said to Jehovah:  "Everything that a man [not] just [Job} has he will give in behalf of his soul." -Job 1:8; 2;4.

History has shown that many, like Job, have remained loyal to Jehovah in the face of trial-contrary to Satan's claim.  They have made Jehovah's heart glad by their faithful course, and this has given Jehovah a reply to Satan's boastful taunt that humans will stop  serving God when they are subjected to hardship. (Hebrews 11:4-38) Yes, righthearted ones have refused to turn their backs on God.  Even when perplexed by the most distressing situations, they have relied all the more on Jehovah to give them the strength to endure. - 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. 

But Jehovah's exercise of justice involves more than the issues of sovereignty and man's integrity.  The Bible provides us with a record of Jehovah's judgments in relation to individuals and even entire nations. It also contains prophecies of judgments he will render in the future.  Why can we be confident that Jehovah has been and will be righteous in his judgments?  

Next time:"Is There Injustice With God?" -Why God's Justice is Superior

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah 

"Is There Injustice With God" - Conclusion of The Issue of God's Sovereignty

What has the passing of time revealed?  Throughout the millenniums, people have experimented  with many forms of government, including autocracy, democracy, socialism,  and communism.  The sum total of them all is epitomized  in the Bible's frank comment:  "Man has dominated man to his injury."  (Ecclesiastes  8:9)  With good reason, the prophet Jeremiah stated:  ""I well know O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong.  It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." -Jeremiah 10:23. 

Jehovah knew from the beginning that mankind's independence, or self-rule, would result in much suffering .  Was it unjust of him, then to allow the inevitable to run its course? Not at all! To illustrate: Suppose you have a child who needs surgery to cure a life-threatening  ailment. You realize that the operation will cause your child a degree of suffering, and this deeply grieves you. At the same time, you know that the procedure will enable your child to enjoy better health later in life.  Similarly, God knew-and even foretold-that his allowance of human rule would bring along with it a measure of pain and suffering.  (Genesis 3:16-19) But he also knew that lasting and meaningful relief would be possible only  if he allowed all mankind to see the bad fruitage produced by rebellion.  In this way the issue could be settled permanently, for all eternity.  

Next time: "Is There Injustice with God?" -The Issue of Man's Integrity

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah

"Is There Injustice With God?" - The Issue of God's Sovereignty

The answer to this question is related to the issue of sovereignty.  As we have seen, the Creator has the right to rule over the earth and all those dwelling in it.  (Psalm 24:1; Revelation 4:11) Early in human history, however, Jehovah's sovereignty was challenged.  How did this  come about?  Jehovah commanded the first man, Adam not to eat from a certain tree in the garden that was his paradise home.  And if he disobeyed?"  "You will positively die," God told him. (Genesis 2:17)  God's command worked no hardship  on Adam or his wife, Eve.  Nevertheless, Satan convinced Eve  that God was being unduly restrictive.  What if she did eat from the tree?  Satan told Eve outright "You positively will not die.  For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad." -Genesis 3:1-5.

In this statement Satan implied not only that Jehovah had withheld cruel information from Eve but also that He had lied to her.  Satan was careful not to question the fact of God's sovereignty.  But he did challenge the rightfulness, deservedness, and righteousness of it. In other words, he maintained that Jehovah was not exercising His sovereignty  in  a righteous way and in the best interests of His subjects. 

Subsequently, both Adam and Eve disobeyed Jehovah by eating from the forbidden tree.  Their disobedience  put them in the line to receive the punishment of death, just as God had decreed.  Satan's lie raised some vital questions. Does Jehovah truly have the right to rule mankind, or should man rule himself?  Does Jehovah exercise his sovereignty in the best possible way?  Jehovah could have  used his almighty power to destroy the rebels  right then and there.  But the questions raised pertained to God's rulership not his power .  If anything might have called his rulership  into question even further. The only way. The only way to determine whether humans could successfully rule themselves, independent of God, was to let time pass.


Next time "Is There Justice with God" -Conclusion of The Issue of God's Sovereignty

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah