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The Law of Moses

September 9, 2026 · 1 min read

In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses is presented as a Law given by God to Israel through Moses, chiefly within the framework of the Covenant at Sinai. It is not simply a collection of social regulations, but the way in which Israel is called to live as the people of God.

The biblical narrative emphasizes that God reveals His will and that Moses serves as mediator between God and the people. The Ten Commandments, in particular, occupy a central place, since they are presented as the word of God addressed to the entire community. At the same time, however, within the Pentateuch we encounter a large number of provisions concerning social life, worship, the administration of justice, property, family, slavery, responsibility for bodily injury, and the protection of the weak.

The question that arises is twofold. First, can we distinguish what is presented as direct divine revelation from what appears to belong to the legislative and pastoral activity of Moses? Second, what is the relationship between Mosaic legislation and the laws of other ancient peoples, such as the Babylonians, the Hittites, or the Egyptians?

Modern research has shown that the Law of Moses does not appear…

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John Johnson

The part about the Ten Commandments being spoken directly to the whole community always sticks with me more than the detailed rules on slavery or property damage. Makes you wonder how much of the everyday stuff was Moses working out the details like a good leader would, instead of every line dropping straight from heaven. Anyone here read the Code of Hammurabi and spot the overlaps?

ميشيل حداد

Yes, the Ten Commandments are the ones that always stick out to me the most, especially “Do not steal” and “Do not covet.” As for the laws regarding slaves or injuries, I feel that they are part of what Moses was arranging as a practical leader for a people in the wilderness. The question about the difference between direct revelation and everyday details is really important.

Milan Milošević

This was always clear to me - the Ten Commandments were given directly to everyone on Sinai, and the ones about slaves, compensation for damages or protection of the poor, Moses had to adapt to life in the desert, as a good elder. That's why it's no wonder that some provisions coincide with Babylonian or Hittite laws, the people still lived in that time. And you, what do you think, would it still be possible to distinguish between what is purely God's and what is pastoral?