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Post by Mark on May 3, 2006 3:37:20 GMT -8
Exodus 22:28 KJV Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
How would you say that this mitzvot applies to us today?
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Post by Blake on May 3, 2006 11:45:15 GMT -8
I'm not sure but I believe elohim here refers the judges of Israel. It also could be understood as not to blaspheme HaShem as well. I believe this verse applies to our respect of the Rabbis and religious leaders. I don't think it applies to the temporal rulers of Israel, since they have abandoned the theocratic system in the  . However, unless a ruler is being terribly unjust or evil I don't think they should be cursed. |
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Post by Mark on May 4, 2006 5:16:03 GMT -8
I have to disagree with your position on the basis of Titus 3:1-2. Titus 3:1-2 KJV Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. Knowing that Paul spoke all things by commandment (as we believe, according to ), it seems to me that his instruction is an application of Exodus 22:28. It's interesting that the phrase is "you shall not revile the gods...;" not, "you shall not revile God." This is consistent with Jude 1:8-9 Jude 1:8-9 KJV Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. (9) Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. There is little room to allow us the priveledge of railing against those with whom we disagree in whatever arena. This doesn't by any means suggest that as believers we forfeit our right to political opinion, nor even active participation. It does mean that we are called to approach things differently: reverently toward all men, speaking the truth in love. For a few years I car-pooled to work every day with a Mormon bishop. We discussed and debated our differences for a while. One day he said, "At least you have respect for my beliefs." I responded, "I have nothing but contempt for your beliefs; but I respect you as a person and as a creation of God." There is a difference between being vehemently opposed to a person's doctrines and position (whether political, social, religious or otherwise) and rejecting the individual as being a waste of skin. Yeshua said, "Whoever shall say, 'you fool,' is in danger of Hell's fire." Matthew 12:34-37 KJV O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. We must be very careful, particularly in matters of passion. |
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Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on May 21, 2006 22:36:29 GMT -8
Shalom brother Mark,
Thank you for sharing this. Very good. We will all do well to remember it. Of course it is easier said than done. Let us pray that Adonai gives us strength to be even more observant in this area.
In Yeshua's name,
Reuel
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. However, unless a ruler is being terribly unjust or evil I don't think they should be cursed.
