Hebrew Jewish Law

Hebrew Scriptures

Three types of literature discuss matters of justice in the covenant context:

1) Torah: Codes of Law & Narratives

2) Prophets: Major and Minor

3) Wisdom Books: Variety of Genres

• Ex 20 Ten Commandments

• Ex 21:2-11 Laws re: Slaves

• Ex 21:12-32 Laws re: Personal Injury

• Ex 21:31-22:5 re: Property Damage

Exodus Code

“I will be your God; you will be my people.”

• Ex 22:6-14 Loans and Guarantees

• Ex 22:15-23:9 Social-Sexual Issues

• Ex 23:10-20 Religious Laws

Exodus Code

“If you heed and carry out all I tell you, I will be an enemy to your enemy and a foe to your foes.”

Law Code of Deuteronomy

“Second Law”

Renewal of the covenant after great infidelity to the Law brought exile.

Ten Commandments

Deut 15:1-11 presents laws regarding: Sabbath Year and Jubilee Year

Law Code of Leviticus

Code of Holiness: “Be holy for the Lord your God is holy.”

cf. Lev 19:2

Concern for the poor is the heart of true worship.

cf. Lev 19:1-8

The Law Codes demand basic protection and assistance to the poor, e.g. the defenseless widows and orphans.

1. Protect widows and helpless orphans

2. Protect strangers and helpless aliens

3. Respect poor wage earners; pay on time

4. Treat servants and slaves humanely

5. Do not lend anything at high interest rates

6. Do not demand excess deposits for loans

7. Do not bribe judges & officials of government

End of presentation