Week 42, Day 2: Further Instructions
Today’s Reading: Exodus 21:1-36
Some thoughts from the reading…
Contrary to what some people think. The Law of Moses includes more than the 10 commandments. The 10 commandments are often emphasized and spoken of as the Law of Moses. But chapter 21 provides additional instructions for the people. Thus begins the giving of the Law of Moses by which Israel was expected to live.
Some of the instructions given are regarding slaves. And the instructions are not what you might expect. For example, God gives instructions regarding a man who is a slave. If the master gives him a wife and they have children, when the seventh year comes up, the man may go free but his family must remain with the master. Our society today has some very different views about what would be right and just in such a situation. I find it interesting to see some of these instructions and see what God commanded and then compare that to what we have deemed “right” to do or would “expect” is best. I wonder how many people today would be willing to accept God’s instructions regarding such situations if they had been commanded for us. I believe that based on man’s rejection of the NT passages addressing women’s roles and character and also passages regarding homosexuality, man would most likely find some way to dismiss the commands. The challenge for man is not to say, God commanded it, I agree with it, and therefore I’ll do it. The challenge for man is to say God commanded it, and I will do it. What we think or feel is right or best does not matter.
This chapter also has another reference that has much bearing when considering the issue of abortion. In verses 22-25, God gives instruction about when a pregnant woman is struck during a fight. If the child is born prematurely then the man is just fined. But if further injury happens then the penalty matches what harm was inflicted. This punishment would include death if the child died. Why this is important in the realm of discussing abortion is how God provides protection for an unborn child. Some today, even who claim to be Christians, believe that a child does not start living until they breath on their own. So if the child is not breathing on its own, it is not a person yet. Thus an attempt is made to agrue that abortion is not murdering anyone. This passage gives us one clear example of where God’s instructions show a regard for the life of the unborn child.
Question: Why do you think someone might want to make a distinction between the 10 commandments and the rest of the instructions given at Sinai? Think in terms of those who want to still keep the 10 commandments.