But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that
the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But
before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which
should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring
us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith
is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Gal 3:22-25)
Having just completed a detailed study of the Ten Commandments of God, I think
it appropriate to point out that these have never been annulled or done away
with – they are as binding upon us today as when thundered by the Voice of God
from the earth shaking Cloud atop Sinai. They were, at that time, written by
the very finger of God on Stone Tables. We could not have known the great
magnitude of God’s Majesty had we not learned it by steps – it was too great to
learn on short notice. So God gave His Law of Commandments to reveal to us our
great need and depravity, thereby we learned that we can, in no wise, enter in
the presence of God with the hands made filthy by fleshly lust and greed. Not
being able to keep the Law of God, we came to understand the urgent need of a
Redeemer and Savior. Yet, we are still bound with bands of love to keep the
Commandments of God inviolate.
It is very difficult to learn the science of music unless one loves music. If
he loves music, he will eagerly learn the notes and chords thereof; but if he
hates the drudgery of that science, he will attempt to learn unnaturally and
with great dread that science. The same is true of obedience to God. Once we
have come to the point of knowing God with intimate love and understanding,
obedience becomes a burning desire rather than a dutiful dread. We grew in
knowledge and understanding of God beginning with our expulsion from Eden; then
the journeying of Abraham in following after God; then the bondage in Egypt;
then the great plagues with which God struck the land and the miracles which
saved Israel from those same plagues; then the great salvation at the shores of
the Red Sea; the Manna and Water from the Rock; and finally, the issuance of
the Ten Commandments. Centuries past and finally god sent forth His only
Begotten Son, after four hundred years of silence, so that we might know God in
the fullness of His wonder and beauty. We had come to know that we were without
merit or virtue – only a Savior would suffice – and we came to have God’s
commandments written in the soft sinews of our hearts. After those days,
saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their
hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer
31:33)
We now turn from the Commandments of God to the ordinances and laws of Moses to
facilitate our obedience. If no consequence follows disobedience, there
is no substance to the Law that we have broken; so Israel is given detailed
accounts of the manner in which God’s Law will be implemented and the
punishments for disobedience beginning in Chapter 21. These are divided into
two major headings: 1) Laws for servants of Israel; and 2) Laws for personal
liability and injuries. I will give far less emphasis to this chapter due to
the fact that it is merely a mode of applying the Law given to daily life much
of which is no longer relevant in our day since servants are not owned in civil
societies (for example).
Verses 1-11 have reference to the judicial laws and ordinances regarding
servitude and the servant’s rights under God’s Law. Servitude can be an emblem
of the old man under bondage to sin and the devil. But God’ provides an escape,
always, for the soul to be released from such bondage. I will point out only
selected verses from these eleven. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six
years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
(Ex 21:2)
The seventh year is a sabbatical year, both spiritual and fiscal. Each seventh
year, the servants must be set free without personal charge to them.
Did you ever wonder where the notion of a Genie in a bottle comes from, or from
whence came the great golden earring. The Jinn (or Jinni, singular) comes from
the ancient Persian, but derived from Arabian and Quranic superstitions. The
Jinni (or Genie in a bottle) was related in One Thousand and One Nights
and Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp (among other tales). The Genie
appears out of a vapor from the magic bottle when rubbed. It is strong and
powerful, and able to act with magical wonders. But it is a slave to its owner
(who owns the lamp). It wears a great golden earring to evidence its volunteer
bondage. When I see a man wearing an earring, I wonder “to whom is he a
bond-servant” – but I have an idea! The following verse may give further
clarification of the reason for the bond-servant’s earring: And if the
servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will
not go out free: 6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he
shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall
bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever. (Ex
21:5-6) Some have
theorized that the bond-servant who wishes to remain so filled that unsightly
hole in his ear with an earring. Effeminate young man, whose slave are YOU?
Remember: the Law is our schoolmaster. While learning our ABCs in school, we
had to sit through boring classes and respond each time we were called on by
the teacher. Every math or science problem was a designed scenario that
required our solution; however, upon our graduation, we applied those
principles, learned under duress, in school to the real life problems and
business dealings in which we were rewarded by profitable outcomes. The
Christian, in loving God’s Law, and the Author of that Law, cheerfully seeks
ways to obey God and to promote obedience in others. In examining verses 12-19,
we find a rather advanced and sophisticated treatment concerning laws that are
quite timely today. 12 He that smiteth a man, so
that he die, shall be surely put to death. God ordained the death penalty,
without exception, for premeditated murder. American law did as well until
recent years. God also makes an allowance for murders by accident or passion: 13 And if a man lie not in
wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place
whither he shall flee.
This describes accidental killings or unavoidable circumstances that lead to
death of victims. Cities of Refuge were established so that a man might run
there to escape the Avenger of blood (next of kin of victim). But before Cities
of Refuge, a man might claim sanctuary at the altar of God.
14 But if a man come
presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him
from mine altar, that he may die.
Sanctuary was denied a man of deliberate intention of murder.
Now comes a dire warning to children who have dishonored their mother and
father. The verse here bears out the grave need for Christ in their lives: “15 And he that smiteth his
father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.” Christ, through our hearty
repentance and turn to Him, offers salvation from that death sentence.
The civil law of God also makes provision for the death sentence for
kidnapping. American law did as well until recent decades. 16 And he that stealeth a
man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to
death.
Sorry, young folks, but here comes another broadsides against disrespect
of parents: 17 And he that curseth his
father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.
Next comes provision for liability to be paid to one injured by another: 18 And if men strive
together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not,
but keepeth his bed: 19 If he rise again, and walk
abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay
for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. (Ex
21:18-19)
What does God say in this chapter regarding abortion? 22 If men strive, and hurt a
woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief
follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay
upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any mischief
follow, then thou shalt give life for life, 24 Eye for eye, tooth for
tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 Burning for burning, wound
for wound, stripe for stripe. (Ex 21:22-25) Clearly, abortion is regarded by God as
MURDER if the fetus (child in the womb) is hurt fatally.
Negligent homicide also ranks on the same level as MURDER: 28 If an ox gore a man or a
woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall
not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. 29 But if the ox were wont
to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner,
and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox
shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death. (Ex
21:28-29)
The laws and ordinances of Moses also addressed matters of equity in dealing
with others: 33 And if a man shall open a
pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall
therein; 34 The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give
money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his. 35 And if one man's ox hurt
another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money
of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide. 36 Or if it be known that the
ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall
surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own. (Ex 21:33-36)
God loves His Creation – He places a high premium upon the lives that He has
created. His laws are designed to protect life, and facilitate a happy and free
society. Without laws, this is not possible.
