Bible Quote by Thomas Henry Huxley
““And those who will carefully study the so-called 'Mosaic code' contained in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, will see that, though Jahveh's prohibitions of certain forms of immorality are strict and sweeping, his wrath is quite as strongly kindled against infractions of ritual ordinances. Accidental homicide may go unpunished, and reparation may be made for wilful theft. On the other hand, Nadab and Abihu, who 'offered strange fire before Jahveh, which he had not commanded them,' were swiftly devoured by Jahveh's fire; he who sacrificed anywhere except at the allotted place was to be 'cut off from his people'; so was he who ate blood; and the details of the upholstery of the Tabernacle, of the millinery of the priests' vestments, and of the cabinet work of the ark, can plead direct authority from Jahveh, no less than moral commands.””
About This Quote
Biblical laws prioritize ritual purity over moral offenses, showing a hierarchy of divine concerns.
In simple terms: Ritual rules outrank moral ones in the text.
Key Takeaway
Question the hierarchy of rules versus ethics.
Themes
religion
law
ethics
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal analysis
- ethical debate
- historical study
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
theology
biblical criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why prioritize ritual over morality?
- How do you reconcile conflicting commandments?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may interpret these priorities differently.
![“[it is also incumbent] to hold in suspicion others who depart from the primitive succession, and assemble themselves together in any place whatsoever, [looking upon them] either as heretics of perverse minds, or as schismatics puffed up and self-pleasing, or again as hypocrites, acting thus for…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ba/the-church-fathers-1438_psychology_it-is-also-incumbent-to-hold-in-suspicio_2582339.jpg)
