Biblical Law and Its Relevance: A Christian Understanding and Ethical Application for Today of the Mosaic Regulations

by Joe M. Sprinkle

Overview

This book approaches the laws of the Pentateuch from theological, historical, moral, and spiritual perspectives. Theologically, this book raises a question of hermeneutics: What are Christians to make of the law? Biblical Law and Its Relevance, while taking into consideration the approaches of Reformed, Dispensationalist, Lutheran, and Theonomist scholars, proposes a distinctive hermeneutic of seeking to find the abiding moral and religious principles inherent in the laws. In pursuing this goal, this book employs a comparative-legal methodology that examines biblical laws in their ancient Near Eastern historical setting and in comparison with rabbinic, modern, and especially cuneiform laws. It seeks to determine the original significance of the lex talionis formula ("eye for an eye") and the rules of clean / unclean. It also surveys how the laws were administered from the time of Joshua to the end of the Old Testament period.

From an ethical-spiritual viewpoint, this book shows how the laws were meant to foster a relationship with God and identifies the ethical relevance of the laws to today's issues of abortion, rights of the underclass, theft, divorce, sexuality, and the conduct of war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761833710
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	11/30/2005
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Joe M. Sprinkle is a Professor of the Old Testament at Crossroads College. He has a Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He is a member of the Society for Biblical Literature and the Evangelical Theological Society.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgements Part 3 Abbreviations Chapter 4 1. The Mosaic Law and the Christian Chapter 5 2. Is There Truth in the Law (John 1:17)? On the Gospel of John's View of the Mosaic Revelation Chapter 6 3. Near Eastern and Biblical Laws Compared Chapter 7 4. Law and Narrative in Exodus 19-24 Chapter 8 5. Exodus 21:22-25 (Lex Talionis) and Abortion Chapter 9 6. "Do Not Steal": Biblical Laws about Theft Chapter 10 7. Understanding Laws of Clean and Unclean Chapter 11 8. The Red Heifer Chapter 12 9. Old Testament Perspectives on Divorce Chapter 13 10. The Law's Theology of Sex Chapter 14 11. "Just War" in Deuteronomy 20 and 2 Kings 3 Chapter 15 12. Law and Justice in the Historical Books Chapter 16 13. Conclusion: Is the Law Relevant for Today? Part 17 Bibliography Part 18 Indexes

Editorial Reviews

An excellent discussion.... I applaud his efforts....This volume will challenge its readers.

Journal Of The Evangelical Theological Society - Mark F. Rooker