Israel’s existence depended on their faith in, and obedience to, Jehovah. The “Law,” their code of behavior, was part of their covenant relationship with God and each other. At least three principles governed their lives. The first was fair and equal application of the law. Leviticus 24:22 said, “There shall be one standard for you… for the stranger as well as the native.”  The second had to do with faith expressed in the practice of the sabbath, and even Sabbath year. 

Finally, Israel was a nation of opportunity and hope. There was no intergenerational poverty. Land reverted to its original ownership in the 50th year, the year of Jubilee. While we are not under that law, we are responsible for caring for the poor and giving opportunity to the needy and seeing that the law is applied fairly.