Preview: This lesson is a guide to the laws of the Bible. Since the Bible is the foundation of the legal system of all civilized nations, it is very important that matters concerning the laws be understood.
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 17:14-20, Deuteronomy 16:18-20.
Memory Verse: Psalm 82:3.
1. Discuss the foregoing Scripture Reading and Memory Verse. Must government officials be God fearing before they can be good leaders?
2. How were the judges and rulers told to judge the people? Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:18-19, Deuteronomy 24:17.
3. What was the punishment for contempt of the law? Numbers 15:29-31.
4. What happens when judges or rulers take gifts or bribes? Exodus 23:8, Proverbs 17:23.
Note: Compare this with what we see in our government today.
5. Did the law require purity, integrity, and honesty in government? Explain. Genesis 41:33, Exodus 18:21-23, Deuteronomy 1:13.
Note: We are told to pray for our leaders both the good and the bad. If we have honest, faithful leaders we need to support and encourage them. It takes strength, courage, and money to buck an evil system.
6. How many witnesses were required for capital punishment? Numbers 35:30, Deuteronomy 17:6-7, Deuteronomy 19:15-21.
7. How faithfully was the sentence to be executed? Deuteronomy 17:10-11, Deuteronomy 25:1-3, Ezra 7:26.
8. What were the punishments for capital crimes?
A. By burning: Genesis 38:24, Leviticus 20:14, Leviticus 21:9.
B. By hanging: Deuteronomy 21:22-23.
C. By stoning: Leviticus 20:1-2.
Note: Today we have untold thousands of criminals walking our streets and committing more and more crimes. Our courts are too busy to try them, our prisons are too full to keep them, and our government and church leaders are so confused about execution of the death penalty, claiming that a God of love and mercy could not possibly desire the death of a criminal, regardless of the crime. Let us remember: It was God who condemned crime and gave these laws in the first place, and God does not change. Jesus said that He did not come to change God’s laws, but to do the will of Him who sent Him. It is man’s own ignorance and guilt that causes him to disregard the laws of God.
9. Consider some other crimes and punishments:
A. Beatings: Deuteronomy 25:2-3.
B. Mutilation: Deuteronomy 25:11-12.
C. Inflictions in kind: Exodus 21:22-25, Leviticus 24:19-20.
D. Compensation for damages: Exodus 21:18-19, Exodus 21:32-36.
E. Restitution for stolen or borrowed property: Exodus 22:7-15.
Note: The laws of our land are based on these laws, but judgment is not always executed.