Look up the 613 laws noted in the Old Testament. Prepare your discussion thread regarding one specific law that you find is pertinent to today’s laws.
With exception to the Ten Commandments, there are a total of 613 commandments which comprise of negative and positive laws in the Old Testament. The 365 negative laws remind us to avoid evil acts every day of the year whereas the other 248 positive commandments represent the total number of bones in the body; symbolically, Hebrews and Jews use this to show the need to honor laws of the Lord with their whole body (God’s Word First, 2012).
Among the 613 laws, several still apply to today’s laws. For instance, law under category of COMMUNITY in Leviticus 19:15 regarding the need to treat all litigants equally and impartially during the provision of justice. It states that a person should not let his/her judgment be influenced by the condition of the poor or the privilege of the mighty (Leviticus 19:15. King James Version)
This warns that in the provision of justice, the poor shouldn’t be favored because of their plight; those in power too shouldn’t receive favor in regard to their positions. Instead, judgment should be impartial as every individual is equally before the law (Daily Bread Devotion, 2013).
Similarly, the USA Constitutional amendment XIV on the Law on Equality advocates for equality in provision of justice and states that every citizen of USA, whether by birth or naturalization, is under the laws of the state (Philadelphia Convention, 1787). The states shouldn’t make laws that hinder the privileges and immunities of its citizens regardless of their social, economic or political status. It shouldn’t deprive individuals of the right to life, freedom and ownership of property in absence of the due process of law. Each state has responsibility of providing equal protection to persons within its jurisdiction. In conclusion, a clear understanding of the Old Testament laws will help us gain clear understanding of some of the laws we have today.
References
Daily Bread Devotion. (2013). 613 Old Testament Laws. Christian Oasis Retrieved: Jan. 23rd 2013 www.christianoasis.com
God’s Word First. (2012). All 613 Commandments in the Old Testament Laws. God’s Word First Retrieved: Jan. 23rd 2013 www.gods-word-first.org/bible-study
Philadelphia Convention. (1787). United States Constitution. Washington, DC Retrieved: Jan. 23rd 2013 www.usconstitution.net/const.html
