These chapters primarily deal with the
relationship and walk of God’s earthly people. In Moses’
day, great consideration was shown to the poor. Wages
were paid daily, and loans and gifts were made to the
needy. Gleanings were to be left in the harvest fields
for the poor.

All through the Old Testament emphasis is placed
on kindness to widows, orphans, and strangers. We also
see that the judgments brought on certain sins were very
severe. Many offenses were punishable by death. Some of
these laws may seem very severe to us. However, if we
could transport ourselves back to Moses’ time, they
probably would not seem severe enough. The Law given to
Moses insisted on personal morality and equality, and
had consideration for the old and young, for the slave,
and for the enemy. It even covered health and food
regulations. It showed a wisdom far in advance of any
previous Law. Remember that the Law given by God was
given as a school teacher or master to bring us to
Christ (Galatians 3:24).

Chapter 19:18 was one of the highlights of
Mosaic law, “…thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. I am the LORD.” If we would simply obey this
law, we would have fewer problems. In our fast-moving
society, more often than not, next door neighbors rarely
speak. Christians should make it a point to share the
love of Jesus Christ with everyone they come in contact
with. We should also be kind, helpful, and respectful to
our neighbors. You might have a neighbor who is a
drunkard, or a family living near you who is completely
oblivious to God. God says that we should show them the
love of God through our lives, our concern, and our love
toward them. You might be God’s instrument for winning
them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Let your
neighbors become your concern, and let them see Christ
through your daily actions.