Reflection

The Law of the Old Testament is sometimes misunderstood by many individuals. In fact, many still believe that this is the law that is required by God even today; however, to know the old law given during this time means to understand why it was given to begin with. It is important to understand the character of God and his just and moral ways to understand the moral law (Ten Commandments), civil law and ceremonial law. God’s purpose for handing down the law was to set apart Israel from other nations, yet it was also to receive their love through their obedience to him (Rae, 2009).

The Law as discussed in our text Moral Choices, An Introduction to Ethics, by Scott Rae, provides many explanations as to why and how the ethics of the Old Testament is unified (2009). One of the major reasons given by Rae was “holiness”. The law commanded that Israel be morally just individuals. They were to treat others humanely, especially those who needed their help, including the sick and the poor. Many laws were issued for the specific purpose of ensuring that other people were treated fairly and just (Rae, 2009).

God was and still is a jealous God. In fact, one of his primary commandments was, “I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other Gods before me” (Exodus 20: 2-3) (Holy Bible, King James Version, 1989). He continually reminds his people that he brought them from slavery. In the book of Exodus, it continually speaks of how God delivered his people from bondage, or slavery, and how he would lead them to the promised-land (1989). God has not only asked for, but commanded obedience. Through their obedience, their loyalty was given to God, and their loyalty was given because of their love for him (Exodus, KJV, 1989).

Lastly and more importantly, the most unifying aspect of Christian ethics throughout the Old Testament was love. The scriptures reveal time and again the love of God to his people. His commandments, even down to the laws required by him, are...