Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: Strict Justice and Impartiality

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The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic Law, is a foundational component of the Hebrew Scriptures, encompassing the commandments and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It is primarily contained within the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or Pentateuch. The Law served as a comprehensive guide for the Israelites, covering aspects of religious, moral, civil, and ceremonial life. Among its many teachings, the Law of Moses emphasized the principles of strict justice and impartiality, which were to govern the conduct of the Israelites in their dealings with one another and with God.

Strict Justice

The Law of Moses underscored the importance of justice as a reflection of God's own righteous character. Justice was to be administered without partiality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status, received fair treatment. The principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24) exemplifies the concept of proportional justice, where the punishment corresponds directly to the offense. This was intended to prevent excessive retribution and maintain societal order.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20 instructs the Israelites: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." This passage highlights the necessity of appointing judges who are committed to upholding justice without corruption or favoritism.

Impartiality

Impartiality is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, reflecting God's own impartial nature. Leviticus 19:15 commands, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This directive ensures that justice is not swayed by external factors such as wealth or social standing, but is based solely on the merits of the case.

The Law also extends the principle of impartiality to the treatment of foreigners and strangers. Exodus 23:9 states, "Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt." This commandment reminds the Israelites of their own history and encourages them to treat others with fairness and compassion, regardless of their origin.

Judicial Procedures

The Mosaic Law established specific procedures to ensure justice and impartiality in legal matters. Witnesses played a crucial role in the judicial process, and the testimony of multiple witnesses was required to establish guilt. Deuteronomy 19:15 stipulates, "A lone witness is not sufficient to convict a man of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This requirement protected individuals from false accusations and ensured that convictions were based on reliable evidence.

Furthermore, the Law provided for cities of refuge, where individuals accused of manslaughter could seek asylum until their case was heard (Numbers 35:9-15). This provision safeguarded against the miscarriage of justice by allowing for a fair trial and preventing acts of vengeance.

Conclusion

The Law of Moses, with its emphasis on strict justice and impartiality, served as a divine blueprint for the Israelites, guiding them in their interactions with one another and with God. These principles, deeply rooted in the character of God, continue to resonate as timeless truths, underscoring the importance of justice and fairness in human society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:35,36
You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in length, in weight, or in measure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... early teachers and the Apostles themselves received and taught what they ... alleging
that it is said in the Law, "I am ... no other gods beside me" [ie, of Moses, cf. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 7] In his controversy with the Strict Baptists, he ... delighted in all transgression
against the law of God ... And because the prayer which Christ taught his disciples ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm