The Makers and Teachers of Judaism by Charles Foster Kent
page 53 of 445 (11%)
page 53 of 445 (11%)
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history. Some of its enactments are very similar to those of the primitive
codes of Exodus 21-23. In spirit it is closely related to the book of Deuteronomy. It also reproduces many of the laws found in this earlier code. Both codes represent the fruitage of the teaching of the pre-exilic prophets and priests. Each contains ceremonial, civil, and moral laws; but the emphasis on the ritual is more pronounced in the Holiness Code. It consists of ten or eleven distinct groups of laws. In Leviticus 18 and 19 are found certain short decalogues. They probably represent the united efforts of the Judean prophets and priests during the Assyrian period to inculcate the true principles of justice, service, and worship in the minds of the people. Some of the laws in these earlier decalogues are the noblest examples of Old Testament legislation: DUTIES TO OTHERS [Sidenote: Kindness to the needy] I. Thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy fields. II. Thou shalt not gather the gleanings of thy harvest. III. Thou shalt not glean thy vineyard. IV. Thou shalt not gather the fallen fruit of thy vineyard. V. Thou shalt leave them for the poor and the resident alien. [Sidenote: Honesty in business relations] VI. Ye shall not steal. VII. Ye shall do no injustice, in measures of length, weight or of quantity. VIII. Ye shall not deal falsely with one another. IX. Ye shall not lie to one another. X. Ye shall not swear falsely by my name. |
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