THE LAW INSTRUCTS

Why was God’s Old Testament Law so harsh?

For instance, did God really command that children who cursed their parents be put to death? (Lev 20:9) How is that just? How often was the death sentence meted out for disobedient children?

Maybe such questions have nagged at your faith as well.

Bible scholar Michael Jones has put together a fascinating video on this topic and it can be found HERE on YouTube. (28 minutes)

Here’s a summary of some key points Jones makes:

• Ancient Near Eastern cultures and worldviews were very different from our own. This distance can create misunderstanding on our part.
• The Law was most concerned with establishing and maintaining order. 
• The Hebrew word “Torah” that is translated as “Law” means “Instructions” or “Teachings”. It was meant to shape the priorities and ethics of God’s people after His own; it didn’t necessarily determine the rulings of judges.

In other words, the Old Testament Law was meant more for the classroom than the courtroom. It is meant to be delighted in and meditated on.

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. - Psalm 1:1-2