Jun 155 min read

Is the Old Testament Ethical?

Understanding the Ethical Foundations of the Old Testament

The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, is often scrutinized for its ethical teachings and practices. It is essential to approach this examination with a comprehensive understanding of its historical, cultural, and theological context. The Old Testament, composed over many centuries, reflects the divine revelation given to the people of Israel and serves as a foundation for Christian ethics.

The Nature of God's Law

The ethical framework of the Old Testament is grounded in the character and nature of God Himself. Jehovah, the God of Israel, is depicted as holy, just, and loving. His laws are an extension of His nature and are given to guide His people in living lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness. Leviticus 19:2 declares, "You shall be holy, for I Jehovah your God am holy." This call to holiness underscores the ethical demands placed upon Israel.

The Ten Commandments: A Moral Foundation

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, serve as the cornerstone of Old Testament ethics. These commandments encapsulate fundamental moral principles that govern human behavior and relationships. Exodus 20:1-17 outlines these commandments, which include prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness, as well as directives to honor one’s parents and to keep the Sabbath holy.

The Ten Commandments provide a moral foundation that emphasizes the sanctity of life, the importance of family, and the integrity of personal conduct. These principles are not only relevant to ancient Israel but also form the basis for ethical behavior in contemporary society.

Justice and Social Responsibility

The Old Testament places a significant emphasis on justice and social responsibility. The laws given to Israel include provisions for the protection of the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. Exodus 22:21-22 states, "You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child."

The ethical teachings of the Old Testament advocate for fairness and equity in social and economic relationships. Leviticus 19:15 commands, "You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." This emphasis on impartial justice underscores the ethical imperative to treat all individuals with fairness and dignity.

The Prophets and Ethical Exhortations

The prophetic books of the Old Testament contain numerous ethical exhortations and calls for repentance. The prophets served as God’s messengers, challenging the people of Israel to adhere to the ethical standards set forth in the Law. They condemned social injustices, idolatry, and moral corruption, urging the nation to return to righteous living.

Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause." Similarly, Micah 6:8 summarizes the ethical demands of God: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Jehovah require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

The prophets’ messages highlight the ethical dimensions of faith, emphasizing that true worship of God involves ethical behavior and social justice.

War and Violence in the Old Testament

One of the most challenging aspects of Old Testament ethics is the presence of war and violence. Critics often point to the conquest of Canaan and other instances of divinely sanctioned warfare as evidence of ethical inconsistency. It is crucial to understand these events within their historical and theological context.

The conquest of Canaan, for example, is portrayed as an act of divine judgment against the Canaanites for their extreme moral depravity, including practices such as child sacrifice (Deuteronomy 9:4-5; Leviticus 18:24-25). God’s command to Israel to destroy the Canaanites was not a blanket endorsement of violence but a specific judgment against a particular people at a particular time.

Furthermore, the Old Testament laws of warfare include provisions for ethical conduct, such as offering terms of peace before attacking a city (Deuteronomy 20:10-12) and sparing non-combatants (Deuteronomy 20:13-14). These regulations reflect an ethical consideration even in the context of warfare.

Treatment of Slavery

Another contentious issue is the treatment of slavery in the Old Testament. While the Old Testament includes regulations regarding slavery, it is essential to distinguish between ancient Near Eastern slavery and the transatlantic slave trade of modern history. The slavery practiced in Israel was often more akin to indentured servitude, with provisions for the fair treatment and eventual release of slaves.

Exodus 21:2-6 outlines laws for Hebrew slaves, including a mandatory release after six years of service. Leviticus 25:39-43 commands that slaves be treated as hired workers, not as property: "You shall not rule over him ruthlessly but shall fear your God." These regulations demonstrate an ethical concern for the dignity and well-being of individuals in servitude.

The Principle of Lex Talionis

The principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," found in Exodus 21:23-25, is often misunderstood as promoting harsh retribution. However, this principle was intended to ensure proportional justice and to limit excessive punishment. It served as a deterrent to personal vengeance, placing justice in the hands of the community and judicial authorities.

The New Covenant and Fulfillment of the Law

The ethical teachings of the Old Testament find their fulfillment in the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Jesus affirmed the moral principles of the Old Testament, summarizing the Law and the Prophets with the commandments to love God and love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). He also deepened the ethical demands by addressing the intentions of the heart, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

The Apostle Paul teaches that the Law was a guardian until the coming of Christ, through whom believers are justified by faith (Galatians 3:24-25). The ethical standards of the Old Testament continue to inform Christian behavior, but they are understood through the lens of Christ’s redemptive work and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

In examining the ethics of the Old Testament, it is clear that the ethical teachings are rooted in the nature and character of God. The laws and principles set forth in the Old Testament reflect God’s holiness, justice, and love. While some aspects of Old Testament ethics may be challenging to modern readers, a thorough understanding of the historical and theological context reveals a consistent and profound ethical framework that continues to inform and guide believers today.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).