[This article is part of a doctoral dissertation entitled, Dramatic Ironies and Illusions in the Book of Exodus: A Profile of a Nation’s Identity, Responsibility, and Destiny, written by Sinaite ELZ@SK6.]
———————-
Moral and ethical imperatives are the mandatory rules of life based on what is right and wrong and treated with reference to a divine source. Morality is a standard of choice, referring to that which is within oneself as dictated by one’s conscience. It involves the will to contribute to the welfare of society and ethics involves human behavior that is acceptable to society. The moral and ethical requirements are set byIsrael’s God as a covenant with the nation that belonged to him.
The Purpose of the Law
The design of the Law of Moses was twofold. In the first place, it is to preserve the Israelites as a thoroughly peculiar people, distinct from other nations, in their laws, customs, religion, and government; and, in the second place, it is to supply additional light as to the way of salvation. The system of Moses had elements of sound natural truth that are in Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilization, but most of its important features do not resemble that of Egypt, instead it was a contrast to it, and many matters of detail were prescribed apparently with the design of removing as far as possible every trace of Egyptian or other idolatry.
The standard of goodness is personal. In order to discover the nature of goodness, the text directs individuals to the person of God himself. Out of the Sinai desert, Yahweh promised Moses, “I will make all my goodness pass before you” (Exodus 33:19) and the promise was honored with the revelation of God’s character (Exodus 34:6). Unlike any other moral teacher, God is utterly consistent— what he wills, he is. The purpose of God in giving the Law to Israel was that they might be priestly-mediators to all mankind. It was not God’s plan that the nation should become narrowand selfishly exclusive in her religion. The threefold use of the Mosaic Law is to reveal sin, to establish decency in society, and to provide a rule of life for those who fear God.
The Divine Requirements of the Law
The moral and ethical imperatives in Exodus condition public behavior. The Law can form habits which are acts over a period of time that eventually become values or virtues. Legislation and enforcement promote a better society that befits God’s election.
The Ten Commandments which Moses received at Mount Sinai became the foundation of all law on the Western world, and Jesus himself recognized it in the New Testament. The divine requirements were written on the consciences of man which are necessary for self-examination. The moral law, the civil law, and the ceremonial law constitute the restrictions of the young nation of Israel to aid the people, who were released from centuries of bondage, in handling the privileges and responsibilities of freedom. God who had chosen them was holy and Israel was to be a holy nation.
The Decalogue is the revelation of God’s will. The declaration of the character of God and what he has done serves as an introduction to prepare the souls of the people for obedience. The commands are put in negative form (thou shalt not) implying that transgression, not obedience is natural to man. In its presentation to the people, they underwent certain purification rituals that are symbolical of inward cleansing, they were not allowed to touch the mountain, and they were placed at the part of the mount that burned with fire. Amidst all these, God indicated that he was great and terrible in his holiness and a jealous God. Thus, a holy nation is required to obey his commandments and establish a form of worship that is pleasing to him.
ELZ@S6K
In Memoriam
[1]From a doctoral dissertation entitled, “Dramatic Ironies and Illusions in the Book of Exodus: A Profile of a Nation’s Identity, Responsibility, and Destiny”
Reader Comments