Sexual Morality

Leviticus 18

ca. 1200–332 BCE

1The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2Speak to the Israelite people and say to them:

I the Lord am your God. 3You shall not copy the practices of the land of Egypt where you dwelt, or of the land of Canaan to which I am taking you; nor shall you follow their laws. 4My rules alone shall you observe, and faithfully follow My laws: I the Lord am your God…

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Law in the Hebrew Bible

Biblical Period

Biblical law, including a focus on social justice, is essential to the relationship between God and the people of Israel.

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The Term "Torah" and Its Meaning

Biblical Period

The Hebrew Bible has many terms for law, including torah, which came to mean not just biblical law but all authoritative Jewish teaching.

The top of Hammurabi's Stela; Hammurabi stands with a hand to his nose in submission to the seated god Shamash.
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The Ancient Near Eastern Background of Biblical Law

Biblical Period

Biblical law was influenced by the legal collections of its powerful neighbors, especially the Babylonians and Assyrians.

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