On the Non-enforceability of the Penal Sanctions in the Mosaic Law

Abstract

Although the “theonomy” debate has largely subsided, it continues to be espoused by a vocal minority because it was never properly addressed. The key issue is not whether the judicial laws are still binding. These laws are grounded in God’s moral character; hence, they are still binding. But since they were enforced by magistrates who worked in conjunction with Levitical priests in the context of a now-defunct priesthood, today’s magistrates would lack the divine guidance and authority to enforce the judicial laws as was once prescribed. A conceptual distinction should therefore be drawn between moral/judicial laws and their legal enforcement in society.