Exodus 19-25:9, 32, 40, Deuteronomy 34 Reflection

The laws given by Yahweh in these chapters are apart of the Decalogue or the Ten Commandments, and include the following, “You shall have no other gods to rival me, honor your father and your mother, you shall not kill, and you shall not commit adultery.” Other laws given by Yahweh to the Israelites are “anyone who by violence causes a death must be put to death; and if a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married, he will pay her brideprice and make her his wife.” All of these laws are important moral ideas that emphasize human dignity, which is the opposite of what some argue the purpose of these laws are, subjugation of the Israelites. Many of the laws given in Exodus concern the relationship between humans, and promote respectful, healthy relationships. Honoring one’s parents, not committing adultery or not engaging in seduction before marriage all promote the respect and dignity innate to all humans. Yahweh gave these laws to maintain the purity and beauty of his creation. Yahweh wanted to keep humanity from destroying its god-like image. Laws such as “You shall not kill and anyone who by violence causes a death must be put to death” are laws that prevent the human race from destroying itself. These laws set a punishment to keep the Israelites from causing irreparable damage to God’s creation. Punishing homicide is God’s way of ensuring his creation will live on. Finally, “You shall have no other gods to rival me” is a law concerning humanity’s relationship with God. God was and continues to act incredibly generous toward the human race, and in return he demands respect. With this law, he is also countering materialistic tendencies. Yahweh declares, “You must not make gods of silver to rival me, nor must you make yourselves gods of gold.” With this passage, Yahweh emphasizes that humans must put God and one another above material possessions. These are not nearly all of the laws given by Yahweh to Moses on Mount Sinai, but there are some of the laws I found most important.