Analysis of Humaneness of Hebrew Law - Essay Example

Humaneness of the Hebrew Law Section The Hebrew law was structure to be humane. There were and are different laws that govern people from the ancient times to today. His is extracted from biblical setting in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Due to the need to bring governance and objective leadership and responsibilities, Moses taught the Hebrew the law, and how to relate and subsequent punishment. The Hebrew law stressed on relationships between people and teaches how acts were punishable.

Section 2According to the Hebrew law, each was to be the image of God and an action that contravened humanity was an act against God, thus punishable. The society at the time was divided of the noble and commoners. Hebrew law was so mindful of life that if a kidnapping took place but with the intention of selling to caravan traders, this was a capital crime. Another offense that carried the same weight was striking a fellow man and killing him. However, there were exceptions to the laws, it the person that was stroke did not die but woke up after a day or two, punishment would be in the form of financial compensation.

Notably, there is a difference between the Hebrew law and biblical laws. While the Hebrew law permitted taking life for an act of house invasion, the Bible does not give leeway. The writers of Deuteronomy emphasized in Moses’ teaching to the Hebrews. It was to govern them upon entering Canaan. Deuteronomy reflects the new challenges faced by the Hebrew in entering Canaan and the law was pivoted along fairness in judgment. The people were expected to appoint judges in all the towns according to the tribes present, and that no one was to pervert justice.

In the time, seventh century B.C, a single witness was not enough for an accused person to be found guilty. At least two was needed for righteousness to be achieved. If a brother gave false witness against another and this was found out, it would be done to him what he intended for the other. Treatment of slaves was fair in that, a slave who escapes from his master for oppression was not to be returned to him. Section 3The Hebrew law was to govern the Hebrews in the period after coming from Egypt and before entering Canaan.

It was the legislation of Moses as depicted in Exodus. The writers of Deuteronomy intended that it be used to achieve justice and righteousness upon entering Canaan. It was a reform program that was linked to the laws of Moses, and the central theme was to attain justice for every party in a conflict. Written as though it was the last speech of Moses, Deuteronomy reflects the new problems faced by the Hebrews who had already established a kingdom and lived in a settled urban society. 1Section 4The Hebrew law governed the people, under Moses’ rule, from the time of the exodus from Egypt.

It was found to give priority to life than property, thus taking offenses against persons seriously. Subsequently, death penalties were given for actions against fellow man but not for his property. However, the writers of Deuteronomy allowed a fair and righteous approach to offenses. It was the law upon entry to Canaan. BibliographyMarvin Perry, Sources of the Western Tradition: Volume I: From Ancient Times to the Enlightenment (Michigan: Cengage Learning, 2012), 30-35