Discipleship Against FearExemplo

Reading the Old Testament’s legal literature can be quite challenging. We tend to encounter a spectrum of laws governing practices that seem totally alien (Lev 19:19) to those that seem self-evident (Deut 5:17-21). It can often seem that the Old Testament’s laws are too odd or obvious to bother with.

Yet, the Old Testament is inspired scripture. Ignoring it is not an option. So, how might we approach the laws in the Old Testament? Leviticus 19:1-18 offers some insight into the way we might approach Old Testament law.

For instance, throughout this section, the laws are rooted in God’s relationship to Israel (19:2-4, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18). In v. 14, cursing the deaf or putting a stumbling block before the blind is prohibited, and an alternative is given: “but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Taking advantage of the afflictions of the deaf and blind is set in contrast with fearing the Lord. Fearing the Lord opposes such behavior because when we recognize God as our Sovereign provider, we have no need to oppress or rob our neighbors in any way.

The Old Testament’s legal literature, in other words, is intended to help Israel reflect God. The nation of Israel was to be Holy because God is Holy (19:2). In obeying the Laws, Israel pointed to the God who had delivered them from Egypt, kept his covenant, and revealed to Israel how to live with wisdom in the world.

Unlike ancient Israel, we aren’t a nation. We don’t have to obey all the laws given to an ancient society at a particular time and place. But just because we don’t have to obey those laws doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer.

For instance, when Paul cites Deut 25:4 in 1 Corinthians 9:9, he is not telling the Corinthians that they shouldn’t muzzle oxen. He is making a theological point. Because we believe in God, we have no fear of scarcity. There is no need to withhold anything from those who work for it because God always provides. Reading the Law with God in mind provides us with a fresh way to reflect on the legal literature of the Old Testament that will teach us to fear the Lord.