Laws and Codes in Hebrew and Mesopotamia - Essay Example

? Laws s in Hebrew and Mesopotamia Introduction The Hebrews and Mesopotamians based their laws s on ancient teachings, both biblical and those from the books of the law; these laws were the basis of their concerns in the society and the values they adhere. They had followed these laws for many years to dictate their way of life including marriage, children, worship, and family values among others. It is through these doctrines that the understanding to their concerns and values is derived1. Concerns of Hebrews and Mesopotamians The Hebrews and Mesopotamians concerns and apprehensions are based on their law codes from ancient times. In this respect, these cultures believed that disobeying the laws of the Lord would result to punishment. According to the First Book of Moses, called Genesis2it is written that from the start Adam and Eve were punished by God for eating fruit from the forbidden tree. This clarifies that disobedience of God’s laws and commands has serious repercussions to the society. Further, the book cites that the Hebrews and Mesopotamians were expected to live a life without sin. Sins and wickedness caused the people to lose favor with God just as it is written about the time of Noah. The people in the era of Noah sinned greatly against God and he had to destroy the entire world. Noah and his family together with the animals in the world were saved because he was the only person devoid of sin3. God’s curse was a concern for the Hebrews because it meant that the person would have to die. The laws and codes of the Hebrews declared that God would place a curse against people who wronged prophets ordained by God. They were expected to listen to the words of God’s messengers else, they had to suffer the curse. For instance, the First Book of Moses, called Genesis speaks of king Pharaoh who stole the wife of Abraham and God sent a curse inform of plague into his household. The Hebrews and Mesopotamians were also concerned about the worship ofidol gods. God had forbidden the worship of idols and required all the people to worship him alone. In the same manner, they had to deter from mentioning the name of God in vain since it is a way of ignorance of his words. This requires people to worship the Lord but not joke in his name for punishment would be placed upon them. These ancient communities were not expected to kill, steal, or commit acts of adultery within the society. Such grave sins were punishable through death and God’s anger would be upon those that disobeyed his commands. In addition, the Hebrew and Mesopotamian people were expected to respect each other and not steal each other house or wives. It was clear that any person that hit or disrespected the parents were to be put to death without any mercy4. The Values of ancient Hebrews and Mesopotamians The ancient Hebrews and Mesopotamians were people who worshipped God without ceasing. They did the worship through prayers, tithing, and thanksgiving festivals, which were conducted as often as possible. Through the book of Genesis, the Hebrews and Mesopotamians worked the entire week but on the seventh day, it was a day to rest and focused on worshipping the Lord. They cleansed their bodies by washing their clothes and further, entered the temple to worship God. The altar was placed in the God’s temple as a place where they gave their offerings and sacrifices to the Almighty God. Through these offerings, the people received God mercy and blessing in their lives. For instance, the Book of Genesis speaks of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who offered sacrifices, worshipped God, and in return received abundant blessings for them and their descendants5. The Hebrews and Mesopotamians established a covenant with God to remain true to his will. In this respect, they believed God as the sole provider, protector, and giver of life whom they depended entirely. A covenant was made between God and Israelites to circumcise their male children eight days after birth. This was to show that they belonged to God and obeyed his will in days to come. Further, Abraham obeyed God, left his own land, and went into a far place believing God would provide. Through this faith, Abraham received blessings of God and many descendants that filled the earth. Abraham and Lot went on separate locations where Abrahamgot the barren land but God made the land fertile leading to plenty of food for him and his animals. This shows that Hebrews and Mesopotamians had great faith in God and his powers to deliver them from dire situations. They were a people who valued the role God played in their communities in enabling success to those who believed and worshipped him within ceasing. Ancient Hebrews and Mesopotamians valued and believed in the power of God’s calling and vision. It is clear that they understood that God gave vision to his prophets to pass the message across to the community. For example, Moses received a vision from God and through thesewords; he delivered the people of Israel from their misery in Egypt. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all had vision of God that directed them in their lives. The story of Joseph declares that his dreams were visions from God preparing him as the ruler of the people of Israel. It is also evident that ancient Mesopotamians and Hebrews valued the family setting. They understood the need to honor their parents and any disrespect to them by anybody was punishable through death. Everyone was expected to obey their parents in all circumstances in order to receive their blessings, the law they knew proclaimed that a man had to leave his mother and father and get a wife so that they stay as one body. This means that marriage was a sacred union in the Hebrew and Mesopotamian community, which was ordained by God,in a family setting, the husband was expected to provide for the wife. The husband is supposed to be respect as the head of the family and the wife has the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, protecting the children, and taking care of the home. In this way, this union was blessed by God and families depended on God was the provider and savior6. Conclusion Ancient Hebrews and Mesopotamians were people guided by laws and religious convictions. These laws and religious views guided their actions and behaviors in the society and in their family life. The significant of God was enormous in these societies as the provider and protector of life. They focused on trusting in God, believing that disobedience led to punishment, curse, or death. It is evident that family setting was crucial and the cornerstone of the society within these two communities. Bibliography “The First Book of Moses, called Genesis.” ebible. 1999. Accessed 14 August 2013 http://ebible.org/bible/kjv/Genesis.htm Prism, Kurash. Kurash (Cyrus) the Great: The Decree of Return for the Jews, 539 BC. n. d. Accessed 14 August 2013 http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/539cyrus1.asp Tignor, Robert et al. Worlds Together, Worlds Apart: A History of the World: Beginnings to 1200 (Vol. A). New York: W W Norton & Company Incorporated.2011 Scharfstein, Sol. Jewish History and You, Volume 1. (Newark Ave Jersey City: KTAV Publishing House, Inc., 2002) Read More