Holiness of the People

Leviticus 19:1–20:8, 24–26

ca. 1200–332 BCE

Chapter 19

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

You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.

3You shall each revere his mother and his father, and keep My sabbaths: I the Lord am your God.

4Do not turn to idols or make molten gods for yourselves: I the Lord am your God.

5When you…
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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.

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The Ancient Near Eastern Background of Biblical Law

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