Asbury Bible Commentary – 9. Justice, holiness, love, mercy: Character of God’s society (21:1-25:19)
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9. Justice, holiness, love, mercy: Character of God’s society (21:1-25:19)

9. Justice, holiness, love, mercy: Character of God’s society (21:1-25:19)

This long section contains miscellaneous laws. Some of them are easily understood; others are not clear with respect to their original significance in the cultural or legal sense of that time. For a discussion of the textual issues and the fine legal problems raised by a few of these commandments, consult detailed studies and commentaries.

All of these instructions aim to fulfill Dt 7:6. This occurs when Israel loves Yahweh wholeheartedly and when those who make up his unique community love each other as they love themselves. In other words, Jesus' “most important word” from Deuteronomy was the essence of the Law and the Prophets (Mt 22:37-40).

Look at the specific reasons, goals, purposes, and motives embedded in the legal materials. Israel should obey these laws so that Yahweh may bless them (22:7; 24:19) and so that the land will not be defiled (21:23; 23:14; 24:4). The death penalty was demanded so that Israel would remain holy to Yahweh by purging the evil from among them (21:21; 22:21, 24; 24:7). These instructions also provide for Israel to express humane concern and love for both people and creatures (21:14, 17; 22:1-3, 6-7, 16, 19, 29-30; 23:15, 20; 24:5-7, 10-15, 17-22; 25:1-10). Israel is to detest what Yahweh detests (22:5; 23:18; 24:4; 25:16) and thereby be holy unto him. Israel is not to confuse the natural order of things that God created and approves of (22:9-11). The holy purpose of these miscellaneous ethical, religious, and civil laws is clear: they all hang on the “great commandment” to love God and neighbor. By this they would be God’s holy people.