Day 40: Laws of Justice

 Today's readings: Exodus 22, Leviticus 15, and Psalm 76.

I. Today's reading in Genesis begins with laws of restitution, a sensible thing in any community for justice and to avoid bloodfeuds (22:1-17). As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Compensation must be made for property that is stolen (animals), destroyed (crops), or lost (borrowed goods), and for persons that are violated (unmarried virgins). (p. 153)

The restitution for unmarried virgins, I'm sure, would be objectionable to many today, but for the time was actually quite just. 

For crimes like sorcery, bestiality, and idolatry, the penalty was death (22:18-20). All three of these were abominations to God, and those who committed such offenses were not shown mercy.

Those who are most helpless in society and the stranger are protected in the next verses, with promises of divine vengeance on anyone who oppresses them (22:21-27).

Cursing God or those who are "a ruler of your people" is forbidden (22:28).

Finally, "Israel must consecrate to Yahweh all first-born sons" (p. 154; 22:29-30) and refrain from eating meat that had been "torn by beasts in the fields," which is unclean (22:31).

II. In Leviticus chapter 15, covers bodily discharges from men and also women, including menstrual cycles or other bloody discharges. Rather detailed and exacting for mostly private matters by today's standards, at least.

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, comments:

Leviticus 15 speaks of bodily emissions. There are rules about these emissions because the body is sacred, and some of these particular emissions refer to life and relationships. Though we are no longer bound by the ritual laws of the Old Covenant, we still need to treat these things with respect. In these rules, God shows his just heart. He reveals that he is a just God who seeks to form a just people. Sacred things must be treated as sacred. (p. 88)

III. Psalm 76 is a song of Zion. Certainly one that is filled with joy and praise for God, and all that He has done for Israel. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

It is a victory hymn in which God is hailed as the Awesome One of Jerusalem (76:7, 12), the Warrior who triumphs over all foes (76:3-6), and the Savior who rescues the oppressed (76:7-9). The historical backdrop may be David's conquest of Zion, followed by his transfer of the Ark of the Covenant there (2 Sam 5-6). (p. 894)

That's all for today!