Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Justice in Ancient Israel

Deuteronomy 19: 1 – 21

Why are shows like Law & Order so popular?

Read verses 1 – 14. Describe the city of refuge system.
Why is God so specific concerning their accessibility and the expansion of the system?
What would the existence of this system do for the average Israelite?
What would be some contemporary examples of the case describe in verse 5?
Imagine that you were in a family that suffered a loss, how would the existence of these towns change your perspective?
Imagine that you were one accused of manslaughter. How would it feel to arrive at the city of refuge? How would it feel to live there until the high priest died?
What process is the city to go through if someone who actually committed intentional murder arrives at the city? Why is it so important that they are extradited?
What systems could we create in our lives that would limit our tendency to revenge?
How does the grace and forgiveness God gives us in the New Testament supersede the cities of refuge?
What is something you need God’s forgiveness for tonight?

Why in the world is verse 14 included in this passage?

Read verses 15 – 21. Why is it necessary to have a plurality of witnesses in a case?
Describe the process taken to determine if perjury has occurred. What does this tell us about the legal machinery in Ancient Israel? Why are they reminded that they are in God’s presence?
Why is breaking the 10th commandment considered a capital crime?
Why is the lex talonis applied to cases of false testimony even though no actual harm is done to the accused?
How is the law of retribution actually a limit on revenge?
Who is someone you feel like you need to exact revenge upon?
How can you go about forgiving this person this week

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