Law in the Old Testament, as Seen Through Aquinas’ Treatise of Law

Within the Jewish tradition, as examined through the Old Testament, the development and enforcement of law, from a number of different sources, is a fundamental element in the establishment of a just society. The Ten Commandments, as laws of life, in accordance with socio-political laws, dictated in Exodus, govern society together and attempt to create a society that functions under both practical and moral principles.

While the Ten Commandments serve the purpose of guiding followers to a moral and pious life, they also serve the purpose of preventing conflict and maintaining order within society in many instances. When the Ten Commandments are first seen in Exodus 20:2-17, one can see how these laws dictate not only the nature of man's relationship with God, but also relationships amongst men, such that they have not only a mystical component, but also a practical purpose. Among the most important of these are the seventh, eighth, and ninth commandments, which forbid murder, adultery, and stealing, all of which are intrinsic to the functionality of a just society.

In Treatise of Law, Aquinas relates a quote of Isidore from Etymologies that states that "Laws were established so that fear of them curb human audacity, and that innocence be safe in the midst of the wicked, and that the fear of punishment restrain the ability of the wicked to inflict harm" (Question 95, First Article, p44). Although, here, Aquinas uses the quote to refer to human laws, it is clear that the Ten Commandments serve such purposes in society as well.

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