In chapter 18 the office of priest and prophet are included in the civil law since, Israel being a theocracy, these men were part of the government.
Chapter 19 begins the section of laws governing social life, which are the detailed application of the last six commandments.
- What were the special ministries of priests and prophets?
>) Observe in chapter 18 how both alike were God’s provision for his people’s needs. Of what kind of person in heathen religion did the prophets in Israel take the place?>) How can we still distinguish between true and false prophets? (Cf. Is. 8:19, 20; 2 Pet. 1:119; 2:12.)
- In whom was the prophecy of 18:18, 19 fulfilled?
See Acts 3:22, 23; 7:37. Do we listen to him as we should? (Cf. Mark 9:7.) - In what way do the regulations concerning cities of refuge protect against injustice and at the same time enforce just penalty? ( See future Num. 35.)
- How do the regulations of chapter 19 week to apply the spirit as well as the letter of the sixth (verses 1-4), eight (verse 14) and ninth (verses 15-21) commandments respectively?
Note. 19:14. This law is intended to guard the inheritance of the poor against the greed of wealthy neighbours. (Cf. 27:17; Prov. 23:10, 11.)