Sis. PigrimPassingThru, and Jim, You have made many observations and asked questions that deserve an answer. Know that all your observations that originate from the bible, the word of God. We must not think that Moses was the author of the many regulations noted. It was actually the Holy Spirit who inspired Moses to write what he did, therefore what you cavalierly question, know that it was God who put them in the bible. Do you really think you are up to challenging God or will you prevail in your attempted mockery of what some may deem unintelligent holy writ? Lets examine it to see if God is able to vindicate His word.
You mention that if someone were to defend the homosexual lifestyle, simply countering with Lev 15:1 would silence the debate. You also note that it is referred to as an abomination, i can assure you that the NT
corroborates that view.
Some may say in defense of homosexuality that is is inborn or in the genes. Be that as it may it is no different than someone who is predisposed to steal or to murder. As Christians we must ask God for victory over these temptations.
When you burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice you surely mean that you are barbecuing. You claim that your neighbors have an issue with BBQ. Before you smite them ask them if the BBQ is really the issue or is it just the worship of God?
You would like to sell your daughter into slavery as per Ex 21:7 and are wondering what a good price might be.
I would say whatever the market will bear and include a caveat of buyer beware.
There was no such thing as a permanent involuntary servitude for a Hebrew slave to a Hebrew master Lev 25:25-55
You acknowledge that you are to have no contact with a woman during her menstrual period as per Lev 15:19-24
You are asking how you can tell if they are menstruating. If it is your wife, you could just ask her. You also mention other women, if you are a Christian, why are you trying to mess around with other women? Just asking?
Your neighbor insists on working on the Sabbath Ex 35:2 You ask, are you morally obligated to smite him yourself? That is a very good question! A similar question might be, are you morally obligated to smite a women committing adultery.
We owe Jesus a debt of thanks because He has answered this for us. When Mary was taken in adultery and men demanded Moses law be implemented, Jesus said, "Whoever is without sin, let him cast the first stone." Jesus, by this act relieved the Christian church of implementing the death penalty. For who is without sin? This does not mean that God will not render judgement on adulterers and Sabbath breakers at some point. Num 15:32-36 it's just that you are now not morally obligated to do so.
You say your friend feels that eating shell fish is a lesser abomination than the abomination of homosexuality, while you think eating shellfish might be a greater abomination. The thing is, sin is sin and every sin separates us from God, God say's the soul that sins it shall die. Even if to you one is a greater sin, the penalty is the same.
You say that Lev 21:20 states that you cannot approach the altar of God if you have a defect in your vision?
Actually this applies to the Levites from whom the priests were called to minister at the altar. Unless you are a levite serving in the temple this does not apply to you. God required those who would make intercession for the people be whole just as Christ is our perfect intercessor without spot or blemish.
You say that most of your friends get their hair trimmed which is forbidden in Lev 19:7 and are asking how should they die.
Many of these regulations pertained to the economy of Israel and were not binding on other peoples, in any event there was no penalty for violation of many of these counsels, but by heeding you would prosper.
You err thinking that touching the skin of a dead pig ie football makes you unclean. Lev 11:6-8 It is touching the carcass that makes one unclean. The ark of the covenant when it was in transit was covered by badger skins Num 4:6 which come from an unclean animal. So no, you don't need gloves to play football.
You say your uncle plants two different crops in the same field and his wife wears two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend and He curses and blasphemes God a lot.
Tell your uncle that if he followed God's counsel for agriculture he would enjoy a much better crop. You do realize the Hebrews did not have polyester back then but if you did use two different fibers, you could have a problem with uneven shrinkage.
You should also know that blasphemers will not escape the judgement but as pertains to the here and now, the same example Christ gave regarding the woman taken in adultery applies. Save your matches.
I hope your stated confidence in me has not been a disappointment. If you require more clarity on something let me know.Yes i am reminded that God's word is eternal and unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb 13:8