My conclusions about the history of the tradition behind the Ten Commandments in Exodus are as follows: VIII Of the four sources of law only legislation is under the direct control of governments. The lesson of history is that in general most governments at most times are little interested in legislating in many areas of law. The sole necessary talent of governments and rulers is remaining in power. Hence the paucity of legislation in many areas of law. Rulers have better things to do (for themselves) with their time. Legislation is accordingly always or usually political: its raison d’être is to keep the government in power. According to the tradition of Exodus, the Ten Commandments are no exception. Moses became leader of the Israelites who were under the subjugation of the Egyptians, on the basis that he was elected by God. Moses, we are told, was reluctant to accept the office, because of his lack of fluency in speech, but God insisted and appointed Moses’ brother Aaron to be his helpmeet. Moses’ authority before the people was based precisely on the belief that he was the elect of God. Through miracles of God Moses did obtain the Israelites’ release from slavery in Egypt. Moses’ authority continued to rest on his unique position from God. Whereas God kept Aaron in a clearly subordinate position, Aaron’s status among the Israelites seems, in contrast, almost like that of Moses. When great hardships befell the Israelites during the Exodus they continually blamed Moses for their plight. This inevitably entails a diminution of faith in or respect for God on whose authority Moses’ power depended. Aaron was less criticized. Despite God’s miracles the Israelites repeatedly showed a lack of confidence in Moses’ leadership, and hence in God. Moses’ authority was under siege. Hence, he could not afford to seem too threatening. Moses was under great strain not only from this but also because he was spending his days in judging. A solution was proposed by his father-in-law, significantly not an Israelite but a Midianite. God intervened, and provided laws for the Israelites but under specific circumstances. ) The people were told that God would legislate with no input from the people, ) The laws were given directly by God to Moses, but to no one else. ) Indeed, God was to be absolutely hidden to others. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYyNDk=