STUDIES IN THEOLOGY: 12/14/2006 - (Eye For Eye More Memorable Than Investigate The Case Thoroughly)

STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;

Popular Christianity 12/15/2006

Study Notes And Journal Entries,

Eye For Eye More Memorable Than Investigate The Case Thoroughly

An Observation

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

(r.f.p.p.s.h.)

12/15/2006

Chapter 19 is pertaining once again to the cities of refuge and further specifies that the land is to be divided into three (3) districts - with one of those cities in each district. ~

It then continues to describe again, guidelines for the cities of refuge as well as brief gist pertaining to various situations in severity of judgment. ~

This again displaying the beginnings of a sort of equal justice beyond eye for eye within the community of Israelites. ~

In 19:08 there is what could be seen as evidence of the intention to continue the expansion of the holdings of the Israelites - in instructing that 3 more of these cities should be established if the 'Lord' enlarges the territory. ~

It has already been divulged that six of those cities should be devised which initially indicates a further plan for expansion. ~

In other consideration of this - it demonstrates another chronological discrepancy in that it is now entirely possible that we see in Chapter 19 of Deuteronomy, the earlier design in idea for such cities before the larger expanse of land was won. ~

If nothing else, the previous decree of six (6) cities of refuge is in use of the standard(s) presented here as per expansion and additional cities of refuge. And of course as mentioned, illustrates a slight fault in continuity pertaining to the illusion of chronological transition from book to book and chapter to chapter - placed and woven in with the consistent re-occurrence (points of contact). ~

In 19:21 is presented the ever famous eye for eye..., but as mentioned - this seems to be somewhat of a contradiction between intentions. ~

It suggests (and is often understood) as some call for justified vengeance - and is never considered in the context of the guidelines presented previously in the chapter. ~

Quite strange to consider human tendency in such interpretations! Notable how eye for eye is much more memorable than is investigate the case thoroughly. And further yet in the seeming contradiction of 19:06 showing efforts to actually thwart wrongful death and persecution. ~

Chapter 20 addresses regulations for war and again shows quite a progressive element considering the time of issue. Especially beginning in 20:05 where it describes pre-battle role call and reasons to be excused from battle. ~

Odd that in the very same chapter is again issuance of genocide like instructions of killing every man in the town, with that being the kinder version set forward for cities far away where plunder may be taken as well - including women. ~

As for the towns of the land they are about to enter; Every living thing is to be destroyed as a form of cleansing and insuring no disruption is introduced into their social structure as they settle within the land - taking over their land and settling in their towns and homes. ~

Then further within these seemingly conflicting elements of standard, is yet another queer subtlety pertaining to the forbidding of the razing of trees in or near towns being attacked. Particularly sparing the fruit trees and regulating enough to make only needed equipment of any other sort of tree, which may be cut down. ~

This definitely indicates the intention to preserve as much as possible of that which is then to be assimilated, absorbed as if their own. ~

In another sense, such decree does seem as though it would present a razed result to the areas being assailed. ~

Go kill everyone in town, but try not to chip the paint... and be sure to wipe your feet before you go in! ~

Chapter 21 is another remarkable use of transference in several manners. It pertains to finding a person having been murdered in a field - outside of a town so to speak. ~

Elders and judges must measure the distance to the nearest town from the site of the crime, and then proceed with a ceremonial selection of a young cow of a specific type, to then be taken to a valley (canyon - though presented from a perspective of having lived atop mountains) with a stream, and then be put to death (sacrificed) through breaking the cows neck. Then of course blessings are to be pronounced as well as other ceremony and further actually likening the cow to the dead person. Speaking of it as if it were a person. ~

Particularly interesting beyond the transference of affiliation between the murder victim and the cow - is the specific requirement for a valley with a stream, and as well in choosing the town closest to the crime scene from which the cow is chosen. ~

What is it that would be more likely seen by the Lord about a valley with a stream than anywhere else? ~

Perhaps this specifically indicates such occurrence being addressed in that differentiation beyond the ceremonial aspects - being a somewhat unique setting? ~

What of the suggestion in comparison between the cow and the victim - that the life force somehow finds the nearest acceptable host - being recognized presumably in the description of reasons to choose a cow? ~

Though perhaps a bit of a tangent - what then of the similarity between that suggested tendency of life force flow, and the natural tendencies of a stream to follow the least resistant path? ~

What of a relation between the stream from which Moses forced the consumption of the Golden Calf remnants and the specific presence of a stream in this instance - coupled with the use of a young cow in such ceremony? ~

Is such a ceremony an example itself of a point of contact with that time in the Lords presence at Sinai? ~

Given the often referenced presence of the Lord at Sinai, such would stand to reason - as well perhaps in explaining the relationship between an Israelite and a young cow, with the golden calf point of contact and the consumption of the fine gold dust from it. This of course within the transference from Israelite to Israelite in the previous manner explored in something such as Moses addressing the most recent generation(s) of Israelites, as if they were - or were at least embodiment as representation of those generation(s) from Exodus. ~

It seems within the consistency of symbolism, that such would stand to reason.