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Revelation in History and Law. Categorization of First Testament Scripture. Law and History Texts. First five books of the Bible/Torah (Pentateuch) outline the Law Law meaning “Something laid down, fixed” Historical texts Ancestry of the Hebrews. Law. Centres around Covenant
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Law and History Texts • First five books of the Bible/Torah (Pentateuch) outline the Law • Law meaning “Something laid down, fixed” • Historical texts • Ancestry of the Hebrews
Law • Centres around Covenant • Basis of society • Law points to highest values (constitution) • Point to relationship with God Without laws, Canada would cease being a sovereign, democratic, capitalist, parliamentary-democracy. Laws, therefore, establish who and what we are.
God of the Covenant • Covenant comes from Hebrew Berit (literally, to shackle) • Different kinds of Covenants • Friendship • Contract • Peace Treaty • Marriage • Treaty between Kings • Lord and Vassal Above: Friendship Covenant Below: Master-Servant Covenant
Law of God • Decalogue (Exod. 20) • The Covenant Code (Exod. 21-23) • Casuistic Laws (Case-by-case scenarios) • Laws originating from rural economy (not nomadic) • Deuteronomist Code (Deut. 12-26) • Laws originating from urban monarchy • Laws from king, how to conduct war, how to determine who is a real prophet • The Holiness Code (Lev. 17-26) • Laws for Priests Nothing symbolizes law better than the ravenous characters of Boston Legal
History Covered in First Testament • Over 2000 years of history covered • Extends as far back as 4000 BCE (time of Abraham) • Formation of Israel • Israel situated between main powers of the Middle East • Constantly being conquered and re-conquered
God Intervenes in History • Prophets • Messiah Figures • Nature
Atonement • Sacrifice and ritualistic purification • Innocent blood offered up • Establishes right relationship with God • Receive worldly blessings • Shift in 6th century BCE • Development of afterlife
National Identity • Zionism • A light to the nations • God physically present in the Temple