Behar-Bechukotai: The Good Life?

Why do people advocate the Ten Commandments to solve societal woes? A passage from the Torah Portion Behar-Bechukotai explains. “And you shall do my laws and observe my judgments and do them, so you will live on the land in security.” Leviticus 25:18. It is about having a good life.

Decalogue compliance arguably includes the pay-off of a safe life.

Security in life in both Biblical times and Modernity are quite similar. Security in each period has both national and international challenges.

Nationally, a Ten Commandments advocate’s goal is to make their community and eventually their entire nation a safe place. Some small town residents often reminisce of never locking their doors. They talk of leaving their car keys in their automobiles.

International challenges require that the goal of a secure life involve secure borders. Peace and tranquility between borders can weigh as much as peace within the borders.

Peace between borders was appreciated in antiquity. The Hebrew Bible documents many border incursions. They even include ultimate destruction and demise of nation states. The Prophets offered real time commentary on some of these events.

International conflict is alive and well in modernity. Some today share the ancient Israelite experience of international turmoil. The most recent Indian-Pakistan conflict offers the latest example. The civilian residents on the sides of each respective border are in fear for their safety and security.

Civilians may wonder what they did as an individual fall into this dilemma. Was this something from their past life? Was it karma? Was it simply bad luck? They may wonder as to the solutions to allow for them to return to peaceful living.

As Behar-Bechukotai indicates that the Ten Commandments may serve as the solution. Does it work? Is it relying on superstition, the supernatural or extreme optimism? Is it simply a matter of faith?

While there are many questions in play, the scripture does provide a prophetic vision. Isaiah 2:4, issues a well known declaration: “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

Be well!!

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