{N}0. CREATION, REDEMPTION, SANCTIFICATION.{/}
  
God's relations with the created world manifest three aspects of the divine purpose: 
- God loves humankind. Here we recognize his {N}justice{/} and {N}generosity{/}, and we speak preferentially of{N} creation{/} and {N}providence{/}.
- God chooses those who will be granted a closer relationship with him through Christ. Here we recognize his mysterious and loving predestination. And we speak preferentially of {N}grace {/}and {N}sanctification{/}.
- God wants his chosen ones to take part in the work of bringing salvation to the rest of humankind. In this work of {N}redemption {/}Christ, the Chosen One and the {N}Savior of all{/}, stands out.

{N}1A. GOD THE CREATOR, GOD OF ALL PEOPLE.{/}
  
{N}10 {/}The universe is the work of God: [Gen_1,1]; [Is_44,24]; [Ps_8,4], [Ps_18,2], [Ps_32,6]. God, {N}creator of the heavens and the earth{/}: [Gen_1,1], [Gen_14,9], [Gen_14,22]. God created from nothing: 2Mac_7,28.
  
{N}11{/} God creates {N}with wisdom{/}: [Ps_104,24]. God creates{N} through his wisdom{/}: [Pro_8,22]; [Wis_8,6]; [Sir_24,9]; or through his Spirit: [Ps_33,6], [Ps_104,30]; [Jdt_16,14]. God creates with measure, number and weight: [Wis_11,20]. The apostles discover that this Wisdom is the {N}Word{/} or the {N}Son {/}of God: [Jn_1,3]; [Col_1,16]. Through him God plans the development of history: [Heb_1,2]. God brings creation to maturity by infusing his Spirit into it: [Wis_1,1] -[Wis_1,7], [Wis_1,10], [Wis_11,20] - [Wis_12,2].
  
{N}12 God has created us through his Son{/}: he makes us children in him: [Gal_3,26] - [Gal_3,29], [Gal_4,4] - [Gal_4,7]; [Eph_1,3] - [Eph_1,4]. And gives the human person life through his Word and his Wisdom: [Dt_8,3]; [Pro_8,1] - [Pro_8,21]; [Lk_1,50] - [Lk_1,55]. Examples in [Ex_3,1]; [Jdg_6,1]; [1K_19,6] - [1K_19,8]; [Is_6,8]; [Jer_15,19] - [Jer_15,21]. See also 153{N}-{/}156.   
  
{N}13 The universe praises its creator{/}: [Ps_18,2], [Ps_148,1]; [Bar_3,34]; [Dn_3,56] - [Dn_3,80].
  
{N}14{/} God rules the universe: [Ps_33,96]; [Rev_4,1] - [Rev_4,10]. {N}He directs events{/} for our good: [Mt_6,31]; [Lk_12,5] - [Lk_12,7]; [Jn_16,23]; [Rm_8,28]. God looks after all his creatures: [Ps_104,1]; [Jon_4,11]; [Wis_11,23] - [Wis_11,26].
  
{N}15{/} Spiritual creatures called angels take part in the development of the universe and in the execution of the divine plans: [Zep_1,1]; [Ex_23,23]; [Tb_1,1]; [Tb_3,49]; [Dn_9,1] - [Dn_9,11] and commentary on [Dn_12,6].   
  
{N}16{/} God blessed humanity and its development: [Gen_1,28]. He renewed his blessing after the fall: [Gen_8,21], [Gen_9,1]. He is the God of all nations: [Dt_33,3]; [Mal_1,11]; and the savior of all: [Jon_4,11].
  
{N}17{/} God punishes sin [Gen_7,10], but he never ceases to love the human race: [Gen_8,21].
  
{N}18{/} God {N}gives signs to all peoples {/}[Heb_14,17]; [Mt_2,1] and he also gives them prophets to interpret these signs: [Num_22,1] - [Num_24,1]; [1S_6,1]; Jon. There are saints not belonging_to the people of God: Enoch [Gen_5,23], Melchizedek [Gen_14,18], Job_and Daniel [Ezk_14,4].

{N}1B. GOD AND HIS CHOSEN ONES.{/}
  
{N}19{/} However, to achieve his work of salvation, not from outside but within the frame of history, and respecting the necessary stages, {N}God chooses a people of his_own{/} through whom his promises will come to all the nations: [Gen_12,3]; [Gal_3,8] and [Gal_3,14]. See 37. All of Sacred History refers to this chosen minority. It manifests their mission and the inheritance God willed to grant to them. God who sends them is the same God who loves them for all eternity. See commentary on [Lk_1,38]; [Eph_1,18] and [Eph_2,7] - [Eph_2,10].

{N}2. GOD GIVES HIS COVENANT TO ABRAHAM.{/}
  
{N}20{/} First step in Sacred History: {N}God calls Abraham{/}: [Gen_12,1]. God's call to Abraham includes a double promise: he will give him {N}descendants{/} [Gen_15,4]; [Gen_18,10] and {N}a land{/}: [Gen_12,7].
  
{N}21{/} God makes a Covenant with him. From then on he will be {N}the God of Abraham{/} and of his descendants for ever: [Gen_15,18]; [Gen_17,7]; [Is_51,2].
  
{N}22{/} This covenant makes Abraham (and his descendants), the servant of God and of his works in the world, so that {N}God's blessing will come to all nations{/}: [Gen_12,3]; [Gen_28,14].
  
{N}23{/} On various occasions Abraham demonstrates his faith in the promises of God for whom {N}nothing {/}is_{N}impossible{/}: [Gen_15,1] - [Gen_15,6]; [Gen_15,22].
  
{N}24{/} God shows that he is pleased with Abraham's {N}faith{/} [Gen_15,6] and {N}obedience {/}[Gen_22,26]; [Jas_2,21] more than with the fulfillment of some religious practices [Rm_4,3] - [Rm_4,4] and [Rm_4,19] - [Rm_4,22].
  
{N}25{/} Abraham's faith makes him{N} a friend of God{/}: [Is_41,8]; [Dn_3,35]; [Jas_2,23], and he lives with God after death: [Lk_20,1] - [Lk_38,1].
  
{N}26{/} Because of his faith, Abraham becomes a person {N}who counts in the eyes{/} of God who takes him into account when he makes decisions: [Gen_19,17] - [Gen_19,33]; [Is_41,9], [Is_43,1], [Is_49,4].
  
{N}27{/} Abraham's faith shows the way that all must follow from then on in order to receive God's promises: faith in the promises of God [Rm_4,20] who can even raise the dead: [Heb_11,17] - [Heb_11,19].
  
{N}28{/} The Covenant with Abraham is confirmed in his descendants [Gen_28,10]; [Gen_32,23]; [Gen_49,28]. However, this covenant continues to be a gift of God which is given not to all of Abraham's children by family right, but to those whom God designates: [Gen_21,12], [Gen_25,23]; [Rm_9,6] - [Rm_9,13].

{N}3. MOSES AND THE EXODUS, GOD AS LIBERATOR AND JUST 31.{/}
  
{N}30 God sees the sufferings{/} of his people in Egypt ([Ex_2,24] and [Ex_3,7]) and {N}remembers his covenant{/} with Abraham ([Ex_2,24] and [Ex_3,16]). God {N}calls Moses{/} ([Ex_3,1] and [Ex_6,28]) to liberate Israel.
  
{N}31{/} In Hebrew culture the liberator of a thing or a person is _the one who buys it or takes it away from the owner in order to make it his own. Israel is_liberated from the power of the Egyptians in order to belong to God: [Ex_3,10] and [Ex_3,12], [Ex_19,4] and [Ex_19,6], [Ex_20,2] and [Ex_20,3].
  
{N}32{/} The God who liberates Israel teaches them his very {N}Name{/}, or a part of his mystery. The name with which Israel will invoke him: {N}Yahweh:{/} {N}I {/}[Am_1,1]. [Ex_3,14] - [Ex_3,15]. See commentary on [Ex_3,1] and [Jn_8,1]. Yahweh: the one who is, the one who brings into existence; the God who reckons with what is_nothing and worthless in order_to humble those who believe in them: [1S_2,4] - [1S_2,8]; [Ps_113,7]; [Rm_4,17]; [1Cor_4,17]. See commentary on [Ex_3,1] and [Ex_4,1].
  
{N}33{/} Yahweh is_the {N}Only God{/} [Dt_6,4] {N}who cannot be portrayed{/} without diminishing him [Ex_20,4]: totally different from all that we can imagine or invent, namely, from all that can be seen [Dt_4,12]. We know him only through his word [Dt_4,12]; [Jn_5,38]. Against{N} images{/}: [Dt_4,15] and com. on [Is_46,5] and [Bar_6,1].
  
{N}34{/} God is {N}holy{/} ([Am_4,2]; [Hos_11,9]). Holiness means an irresistible and deep-seated vitality, an energy which devours and gives life at the same time. God is holy and holy is his name [Am_2,7]; [Lev_20,3]; [Is_57,15]. No one can endure his presence when he comes near [Ex_19,16]; [Is_6,1]. {N}We cannot see him{/}: [Ex_3,2], [Ex_33,20]; [Jn_1,18]; [Col_1,15]; [1Tim_1,17]; com. on [Gen_16,1]. We cannot judge his actions: [Is_40,21]; [Ezk_18,29]; [Job_38,42]; [Rm_11,33]; [1Cor_2,9].
  
{N}35{/} God is_{N}jealous{/} [Ex_20,5]: he cannot tolerate a stranger who comes and profanes what he has chosen or cared for, what he has chosen is_already sanctified [Num_17,1]. He cannot stand to see his plans fail: [Ezk_36,22]; [Ex_32,12]. He cannot cede his glory to another: [Is_48,11]. A devouring fire and a jealous God: [Dt_4,23]; [Heb_12,29].
  
{N}36{/} God is {N}just{/}. He forgives sin, but he does not leave it without punishment [Ex_20,5]; [Jdg_2,13] - [Jdg_2,22]; [2S_12,1]; [Jer_3,1]; [Hos_2,1]; [Hos_3,1]. He brings sins into the open: [Jos_1,1]; [1K_21,20]; [Is_22,14]; [2Mac_12,38]. God is just and {N}his commands demand that we be just{/}: [Ex_20,1] -[Ex_20,17]. See 50.
  
{N}37{/} The only God, Holy, Jealous and Just, is a God who{N} works in history{/} and asks his people to do the same, differently from the other gods of nature (see com. on [1K_17,1]). The {N}God Liberator{/} ([Ex_14,15]; [Ex_14,16]; [Ex_14,17]) also {N}demands the conquest of the land{/} of Canaan: [Ex_34,11] - [Ex_34,13]; [Num_14,1] and com. on [Ex_32,1].
From then on instead of only remembering the past, the religion of Israel will also look forward to new liberations [Jdg_4,1] - [Jdg_6,1]; [1S_17,1]; [2K_18,1] - [2K_19,1]; [1Mac_4,1]; [Lk_1,73]; [Acts_1,6] and it will have new goals: [Is_40,1] - [Is_40,42], [Is_65,1] - [Is_66,1]; [Zec_8,20] - [Zec_8,23]; [Dn_7,26] - [Dn_7,27]; [Acts_1,8].
  
{N}38 On Sinai God celebrates a Covenant{/} with the people who will be his servant as he works in history: [Is_49,1] - [Is_49,9]; [Ps_2,1]; [Ps_149,6] - [Ps_149,9].
God makes them {N}a people of priests and a consecrated nation{/}: [Ex_19,6], [Ex_24,3] - [Ex_24,11]; [1P_2,9]. Renewal of the Covenant: [Jos_8,30]; [Jos_24,1]; [2K_23,21]; [Ne_8,1]. He establishes a New Covenant: [Jer_31,31]; [Ezra_36,22]; [Mal_3,1].   
  
{N}39{/} Hebrew tradition will consider Moses as the first of the prophets ([Dt_18,18] - [Dt_18,20], [Dt_34,10] - [Dt_34,12]). It states that Moses was the first one to recognize the true face of_God: {N}Merciful{/} and {N}Gracious{/}, rich in {N}Love{/} and {N}Fidelity{/}: [Ex_34,1] - [Ex_34,9].

{N}4. TIME OF THE KINGS.{/}
{K}a) The first prophets teach that God is Love and Fidelity{/}
  
{N}40{/} Prophecy will develop in Israel from the time of David onwards. Prophets affirm that God is_Love and Fidelity, especially in Deuteronomy.
Love and Fidelity refrain of Psalm 89, verses [Ps_89,2], [Ps_89,3], [Ps_89,15], [Ps_89,25], [Ps_89,29], [Ps_89,34], [Ps_89,50]. [Dt_7,9]; [2S_2,6].
  
{N}41 Love{/} (or {N}Gift{/}, or grace) of God for {N}Israel{/}. God chooses Israel who does not deserve it [Dt_7,7], [Dt_9,5], [Dt_10,15]; and gives her {N}the land{/} (the land of Canaan) as inheritance: [Dt_4,1], [Dt_4,38], [Dt_6,10]. God makes the Israelites his {N}children{/}: [Dt_32,5] - [Dt_32,6]; [Hos_11,1]; [Is_1,2].
He gives {N}prosperity in the Land{/}: [Dt_7,12] - [Dt_7,15], [Dt_8,18] - [Dt_8,19]. Israel will keep God's gifts if she obeys and loves God: [Dt_4,40], [Dt_6,10] - [Dt_6,19], [Dt_11,12] - [Dt_11,21].
  
{N}42{/} If Israel fails God, he will take away their prosperity and their land: [Dt_4,24] - [Dt_4,31], [Dt_28,15] - [Dt_28,68]. But the ever-faithful God will convert Israel after punishing her: [Dt_30,1] - [Dt_30,10]. {N}A remnant of Israel {/}will be saved: see [1K_19,18] and 60-67. Israel's destiny: chosen, punished and renewed: [Dt_32,1]. {N}Then I will love them{/}: [Hos_14,5].
  
{N}43 Love{/} (or Gift) of God for{N} David.{/} He gives him the Kingdom and makes him his own: [2S_7,12] - [2S_7,16]. In Israel, only kings were considered as God's children: [2S_7,14]; [Ps_89,27] - [Ps_89,28]; [Ps_2,7]. Because of his love for David, as ruler God looks after his descendants: [1K_8,25], [1K_11,34].
Because of their sins, they deserve to be rejected by God: [Jer_22,24]. But God, being merciful and faithful, will again establish a descendant of David as ruler (see 60-67).
  
{N}44 Fidelity {/}or {N}Truth{/}: it is the same word in Hebrew and it is similar to {N}amen{/} which means: it is so! [2Cor_2,18] - [2Cor_2,20]. Every word of God is_faithful and it will be fulfilled: [1K_8,26]; [Ne_9,33]. God's faithfulness to Israel cannot be denied: [Rm_11,28]; [Rm_15,8].
  
{N}45{/} In politics, kings must respect the demands of the Covenant [Dt_17,16] - [Dt_17,20]; [1K_13,1]; [2K_9,6] - [2K_9,10]. While priests condemn disobeying the Law of God [2Chr_26,16], prophets focus on all that betrays the spirit of the Covenant: [2Chr_20,36], [2Chr_25,15].

{N}5. TIME OF THE KINGS_50.{/}
{K}b) The great prophets speak of Love, Justice{/}
  
{N}50 You will love God{/} with your whole heart, your whole soul\u00c9: [Dt_6,4]. Love for God, an interior attitude,{N} is worth more than worship{/}: [Hos_6,6] and costly sacrifices: [Mic_6,7] - [Mic_6,8]; [Jer_2,2].
  
{N}51{/} True love comes from the {N}knowledge of God{/}: [Is_1,3]; [Jer_31,34]; [Hos_2,22], [Hos_3,5]. To know God is to{N} recognize his actions{/} in events: [Is_1,1] - [Is_1,6], [Is_22,8] - [Is_22,14], [Is_28,23] - [Is_28,29], [Is_28,30], [Is_31,1] - [Is_31,9], [Is_42,18] - [Is_42,25]; [Jer_6,10] - [Jer_6,16]; [Am_4,4] - [Am_4,13]; and to listen to his prophets: [Is_6,9] - [Is_6,12], [Is_8,11] - [Is_8,18], [Is_41,21] -[Is_41,29]; [Jer_13,15] - [Jer_13,17]; [Am_5,6] - [Am_5,8]; [Zec_7,9] - [Zec_7,12].
  
{N}52{/} Love and the knowledge of God will be the fruits of the {N}New Covenant{/}, profound gifts of God: [Jer_31,31]; and{N} work of{/} {N}the Spirit{/}: [Ezk_36,27] - [Ezk_36,30]; [Jl_3,1] - [Jl_3,2]; the covenant of God with the {N}humble{/} and the poor in Spirit: [Zep_3,11].   
  
{N}53{/} The Covenant must turn into a {N}real marriage{/}. Israel, the bride of Yahweh: [Is_54,61], [Is_10,1]; [Is_62,1] - [Is_62,5]. Israel compared to the {N}unfaithful bride{/}: [Hos_2,1]; [Jer_2,1] - [Jer_3,1]; [Ezk_16,1] and [Ezk_23,1]. The future wedding in Love and Fidelity: [Hos_2,20] -[Hos_2,25]; [Jn_1,17]; [Rev_21,2] - [Rev_21,4], [Rev_21,9].
  
{N}54{/} God, Just and Holy demands {N}social justice{/}. Return to a society of equality and fraternity: [Jer_34,8] - [Jer_34,19]. The rich as {N}an oppressor{/}: [Is_5,8] - [Is_5,9]; [Mic_3,9] - [Mic_3,11]; [Mic_2,9]. Inequality: a source of {N}violence{/}: [Is_5,7]; [Ezk_22,23] - [Ezk_22,25], [Ezk_24,6] - [Ezk_24,8]; [Am_5,7] - [Am_5,13]; [Mic_2,1] - [Mic_2,5]. Unjust laws: [Is_10,1] - [Is_10,2]; [Am_5,7].
  
{N}55{/} God {N}detests the pride{/} coming from money: [Is_2,6] - [Is_2,22], [Is_3,16] - [Is_3,24]; as well as the pride coming from power: [Is_14,5] - [Is_14,21], [Is_36,22] - [Is_36,29], [Is_36,47]; [Heb_2,6] - [Heb_2,13].
  
{N}56{/} God prepares a destructive {N}Judgment{/}, called the {N}Day of Yahweh{/}: [Is_1,24] - [Is_1,28]; [Am_5,14] - [Am_5,21]; [Zep_1,14] - [Zep_1,18], [Zep_3,1] - [Zep_3,8]. A Judgment which will reestablish justice: [Is_2,1] - [Is_2,5], [Is_4,2] - [Is_4,6]; [Ezk_34,1]; and will bring about final peace: [Is_9,1] - [Is_9,7], [Is_11,1] - [Is_11,9], [Is_32,15] - [Is_32,20]. God prepares a{N} City of Justice{/}: [Is_1,26], [Is_1,60]; [Zec_8,1] - [Zec_8,17] and {N}Triumph for the humble{/}: [Is_26,1] - [Is_26,6]; [Zep_3,12] - [Zep_3,18], and {N}Consolation for the oppressed{/}: [Is_61,1] - [Is_61,3].

{N}6. GOD THE REDEEMER AND HIS MESSIAH.{/}
  
{N}60{/} In the Bible the word {N}Redemption{/} means the same as {N}Liberation{/}. One liberates a thing or person that was under the power of another in order to make it/him/her one's own: It is somewhat like buying. See in [Lev_25,1] the redemption of slaves and lands. More still in [Lev_2,20], [Lev_3,13], [Lev_4,1].
  
{N}61{/} God the Redeemer frees his people from the power of foreigners: [Jdg_2,13] - [Jdg_2,17]; [Dt_4,34]; [Ex_20,1], [Ex_3,8]. After the first liberation from Egypt and many other liberations [Jdg_3,1]; [Jdg_4,1]; [1S_7,1]; [2K_19,1], it was becoming evident during the time of the Exile that a definitive liberation was near: [Is_40,1] [Is_41,8], [Is_43,1] - [Is_43,7].
  
{N}62{/} God also led them to hope that by saving his people he would give peace to all the_earth: [Gen_12,3]; [Is_49,6]. This hope took shape with King David: Israel believed they had found the perfect king in this {N}anointed one{/} (or {N}Messiah{/}). [Gen_49,10]; [Num_24,7] and [Num_24,17] refer to him.
  
{N}63{/} Later, they considered David and his descendants as being sacred and they hoped for the coming of a {N}Messiah like David{/}: [Ps_132,72]; [Jer_30,9]. But they also understood that the Messiah would surpass all the rulers of the earth and that he would establish a kingdom of justice and peace: [Is_4,2], [Is_9,1] - [Is_9,7], [Is_11,1] - [Is_11,9]; [Ps_2,1]; [Ps_110,1].
  
{N}64{/} During the Exile, the author of the second part of Isaiah sees in the believing remnant of Israel the {N}Servant of Yahweh{/}, an instrument of his salvation: [Is_49,1] - [Is_49,6], [Is_50,1] -[Is_50,9], [Is_52,13] - [Is_53,12].
  
{N}65{/} The figure of a Suffering Messiah also appears in [Zec_12,10] - [Zec_12,12]. In [Dn_7,13] the Son of Man, who comes from God himself, was perhaps an image of the Holy People [Dt_7,27]. Jesus, however, will consider it as announcing himself: [Mt_24,30] and [Mt_26,64].
  
{N}66{/} Various biblical texts leave us in doubt. Will it not be God himself who will visit people to meet those who are waiting for him? [Is_25,6] - [Is_25,10], [Is_7,12], [Is_63,19]; [Zep_3,14] -[Zep_3,18]; [Zec_2,14] - [Zec_2,17].
  
{N}67{/} When the Bible speaks of the Shepherd who will rule over Israel, it sometimes calls him the Messiah King [Jer_23,4]; [Mic_5,4]; [Zec_13,7], sometimes God [Is_40,1]; [Mic_7,14]; Song of [Song_2,16]; [Ps_23,1], [Ps_28,9], [Ps_80,2] and easily associates the one with the other [Ezk_34,11] -[Ezk_34,25].

{N}7. TIME OF JUDAISM: THE RELIGION OF THE LAW.{/}
  
{N}70{/} The{N} Law{/} sometimes means all the laws of the Bible [Mt_22,36], or the Bible itself [Jn_12,34] or at times the Jewish religion [Gal_2,19]. {N}The Law and the Prophets{/}, or {N}The Law{/},{N} the Prophets and the Psalms{/} are two ways of referring to the Bible [Mt_7,12]; [Lk_24,44].
  
{N}71{/} The Law reveals two basic demands: {N}Justice{/} and{N} Holiness{/}. Holiness, that is, respect toward God and the rules of purity. The first is found in the Ten Commandments of Moses [Ex_20,1] - [Ex_20,17] and the second in the commandments of God expressed in [Ex_34,10] - [Ex_34,26].   
{N}Laws of Justice{/}: [Ex_21,22]; [Lev_19,10] - [Lev_19,18], [Lev_19,35] - [Lev_19,36]; [Dt_19,1] and [Dt_19,24].
{N}Laws of Holiness{/}: [Lev_17,1] - [Lev_18,1]; [Dt_23,1].
  
{N}72{/} The Law was both the expression of God's will and of Jewish culture. In the Law, we find God's attempt to transform the customs of Israel and to educate believers: [Ex_15,15]; com. on [Lev_8,11], [Lev_11,1], [Lev_24,17].
  
{N}73{/} The Law differentiates between ordinary days and days {N}dedicated to God{/}, the {N}Sabbath{/}: [Gen_2,3]; [Ex_20,8], [Ex_23,12], [Ex_34,21]; [Num_15,32]; [Num_28,9] - [Num_28,10]. {N}New Moons{/}: [Num_28,11] - [Num_28,15].
The three feasts of {N}Passover{/},{N} Weeks{/} {N}(Pentecost){/} and {N}Tabernacles {/}(or booths): [Dt_16,1]; [Ex_23,14] - [Ex_23,17]; [Lev_23,1]; [Num_28,11] - [Num_28,31]; [Num_29,1] - [Num_29,6] and [Num_29,12] - [Num_29,39].
Especially about{N} Passover{/}: [Ex_12,1] - [Ex_12,17] and [Ex_43,1] - [Ex_51,1].
The {N}Day of Atonement{/}: [Lev_16,1]; [Num_29,7].
  
{N}74{/} The Law determines what is {N}pure{/} and {N}impure{/}, namely the requirements for participation in divine worship: [Lev_15,31].
{N}Circumcision{/}: [Gen_17,9] - [Gen_17,14]; [Ex_12,48].
Cleanliness{N} in sexual life{/}: [Lev_21,1] - [Lev_21,8]; [Lev_15,1].
{N}Diseases:{/} [Lev_13,14].
{N}Contact with the dead{/} and with unclean animals: [Lev_11,24] - [Lev_11,40], [Lev_21,1] - [Lev_21,12], [Lev_17,15] - [Lev_17,16].
On{N} not mixing{/} materials or harnessing animals of different species: [Lev_19,19].
  
{N}75{/} The Law forbids certain{N} foods{/}:  
{N}Blood{/}: [Gen_9,4]; [Dt_12,16]; [Lev_17,10] - [Lev_17,14].
{N}Fat{/}: [Dt_14,21]; [Lev_7,22] - [Lev_7,25].
{N}Certain animals{/}: [Dt_14,3]; [Lev_11,1] - [Lev_11,23].
  
{N}76{/} The Law includes {N}sexual morality{/}: [Ex_21,7] - [Ex_21,11]; [Lev_18,1]; [Lev_20,11] - [Lev_20,21], [Lev_21,13] - [Lev_21,15]; [Dt_22,13] - [Dt_22,30].
  
{N}77{/} The Law {N}teaches solidarity within God's people{/}:   
{N}You will love your neighbor{/} (from the same race or people): [Lev_19,18], but it advocates separation from and {N}aggressiveness towards foreigners{/}: [Ex_23,32]; [Dt_22,9] - [Dt_22,11], [Dt_23,4] and it especially condemns marriages with foreign women: [Dt_7,3] - [Dt_7,5].
Forms of{N} solidarity with the poor{/}: [Ex_22,25] - [Ex_22,27]; [Dt_22,1] - [Dt_22,4], [Dt_24,10] -[Dt_24,22], [Dt_23,20]; [Lev_19,9] - [Lev_19,11], [Lev_23,22]. Respect for the helpless,{N} widows,{/} {N}orphans{/} and{N} strangers: {/}[Ex_22,22] - [Ex_22,24].
The {N}Jubilee Year{/}: [Lev_25,13].
  
{N}78{/} The Law teaches {N}about gifts to God and to his priests{/}:  
{N}Tithing{/}: [Ex_23,19], [Ex_34,26]; [Num_18,21] - [Num_18,32]; [Dt_14,22] - [Dt_14,29].
{N}Sacrifices{/}: [Lev_1,7].
{N}Voluntary sacrifices{/}: [Ex_25,1]; [Num_6,1]; [Dt_16,16] - [Dt_16,17].
Rights of {N}the priests{/}: [Lev_7,9], [Lev_7,34] - [Lev_7,36]; [Num_18,18] - [Num_18,25]; [Dt_18,8] - [Dt_18,19].

{N}8. WISDOM TEACHING.{/}
  
{N}80{/} In the Bible,{N} Solomon is the first and the model of wisdom teachers{/}: [1K_4,29] - [1K_4,34]; [Sir_47,14]. The dream and the judgment of Solomon: [1K_3,1]. Various wisdom books written after him are attributed to him: [Pro_1,1]; [Ecl_1,1]; [Wis_9,12].

{N}81 Wisdom means{/}: practical intelligence to govern one's house and to achieve success: [1K_10,6]; [Ezk_28,1] - [Ezk_28,7].
The ability to put one's life in order according to the Law of God: [Pro_16,1] - [Pro_16,11]; [Sir_15,1] - [Sir_15,3]; [Sir_24,23] - [Sir_24,30].   
  
{N}82{/} How {N}to obtain wisdom{/}? Wisdom is a gift of God: [Sir_1,1]; [Wis_6,14] - [Wis_6,16], [Wis_9,1] - [Wis_9,6]. It can be found in the sayings of wise men and in meditating on their proverbs: [Pro_1,6], [Pro_13,20]; [Sir_6,34] - [Sir_6,36]; in overcoming one's whims: [Sir_11,1] - [Sir_11,10], [Sir_23,1] - [Sir_23,7]; [Pro_16,32]; in perseverance in trials: [Sir_2,1] - [Sir_2,14]; and in studying: [Sir_6,23] - [Sir_6,33]; in meditating on the Law: [Sir_32,7] - [Sir_32,24], [Sir_39,1] - [Sir_39,11], [Sir_51,17] - [Sir_51,21]; [Ps_119,1]; and in reflecting on one's experience: [Ecl_1,12] - [Ecl_1,18], [Ecl_2,1] - [Ecl_2,11]; [Sir_34,9] - [Sir_34,11].
  
{N}83{/} Wise people ask: {N}What are human beings{/}? Almost all of the Old Testament was written by Jews of Hebraic culture and they express the concepts of that culture which, unlike ours, does not distinguish in a person a spiritual part, or soul, and a material part, or body. Instead, they saw a person as a whole and in speaking of flesh, body, and heart, they were referring to various human aspects. Man is called {N}flesh {/}and{N} blood{/} since he is a mortal creature. Man is called {N}soul{/} because each one is a living being. {N}Soul{/} means breath [Gen_2,7] and [Gen_7,22] and the Jews readily identified breath with life [Ps_104,29]. Moreover, they believed that life was in the blood [Lev_17,10] - [Lev_17,14]. The{N} spirit{/} means openness to God. The {N}heart{/} refers to the inner self, not only to feelings, but also to mind and conscience. Very often we should translate {N}my soul{/} as: myself, my life, or {N}I{/}.
Different from animals, the human soul receives something of the Spirit, or the {N}breath{/} of God [Gen_2,7]. The spirit_both the human spirit and the Spirit of God in a person [Ecl_12,7].
{N}Humans are free and responsible {/}for their actions: [Sir_15,11] - [Sir_15,21] and [Sir_17,3] - [Sir_17,14].
{N}Humans are sinners{/} from birth [Ps_51,7]; [Job_10,1] and [Job_13,1]. The weight of sin upon them is the result of the sin of their ancestors: they bear the consequences of those errors: [Gen_3,1]; [Jer_31,29]; [Lm_5,7]; [Ps_106,6]; [Tb_3,3].
The great evil for each person is {N}death{/}: [Job_14,1]; [Ecl_3,18] - [Ecl_3,22], [Ecl_6,1] - [Ecl_6,10], [Ecl_8,7]; [Sir_42,9] - [Sir_42,14].
  
{N}84 How must man and woman be?{/} The equality of men and women is  affirmed at the beginning of the Bible: see commentaries on [Gen_1,26] and [Gen_2,20]. However, this is contrary to the whole approach of {N}Hebrew culture which is male-centered{/}. The inferiority of women admitted by the Law [Dt_24,1]; [Num_5,11]; [Lev_27,3] - [Lev_27,7], is accepted by wise men: [Ecl_7,27] - [Ecl_7,28]. Women are seen as being responsible for men's sins [Pro_7,5] - [Pro_7,27]; they must be watched [Sir_42,9] - [Sir_42,12], [Sir_25,15] - [Sir_25,26] and they are praised when they serve their husbands well: [Pro_31,30] - [Pro_31,31]; [Sir_36,23] -[Sir_36,26]. It is only in the Song of Songs that a woman's equality in love is recognized.   
  
{N}85 Work {/}and human effort are the conditions for excellence: [Pro_6,6] - [Pro_6,11], [Pro_27,23] - [Pro_27,27]; [Sir_7,15]. Work keeps people occupied (especially slaves) and disciplined: [Sir_33,25] - [Sir_33,28]; yet it is not everything in life: [Sir_2,4] - [Sir_2,11], [Sir_4,7] - [Sir_4,12].
  
{N}86{/} Regarding{N} social relations{/}, the social order with its distinctions between rich and poor, between kings and subjects, is accepted: [Ecl_5,7] - [Ecl_5,18], - [Ecl_4,3]; [Sir_8,1] - [Sir_8,3]. The king is respected as God's representative: [Pro_16,10] and [Pro_24,21]. However, his company is dangerous ([Ecl_8,2] - [Ecl_8,4]; [Ecl_8,9] - [Sir_13,10]) and his whims are feared: [Sir_16,12] - [Sir_16,15].
Inferiors (slaves) as well as the young must be watched ([Sir_33,25] - [Sir_33,30]); their freedom cannot be trusted and they must be trained firmly: [Sir_30,1] - [Sir_30,13].
  
{N}87{/} In order to please God we must be {N}humble{/} ([Sir_10,6] - [Sir_10,26]), {N}merciful{/} ([Sir_28,1] -[Sir_28,7]) and_we must be {N}generous with the poor{/} ([Job_30,1] and [Job_31,1]; [Sir_4,1] - [Sir_4,10], [Sir_29,1] - [Sir_29,13]).
  
{N}88 How does God reward{/} the just? The wise people of the Old Testament did not know yet of the hereafter ([Ecl_3,17] - [Ecl_3,22], [Ecl_8,7] - [Ecl_8,8]; [Sir_17,27] - [Sir_17,30]). Therefore, knowing that God is just, they made an effort to examine divine retribution in this life. God is_just and he does not leave evil people unpunished ([Job_18,1] and [Job_20,1]). God rewards his people, maybe not with money and a long life ([Pro_10,22] - [Pro_10,30], [Pro_11,20] - [Pro_11,21]; [Pro_13,21] - [Pro_13,23]), but at least by giving them peace and security. He may test them ([Job_36,1]; [Wis_3,1] - [Wis_3,6]), but in the end God will reward them: [Wis_3,5]; [Sir_1,23], [Sir_11,21] - [Sir_11,26]. And yet, some point out many exceptions to this retribution: [Job_21,1] and [Job_24,1]; [Ecl_7,15] - [Ecl_7,16], [Ecl_8,11] - [Ecl_8,14].
See also 90-92.
  
{N}89 Wisdom of God {/}and {N}human {/}wisdom. Gradually wisdom writers realize in the Wisdom of God something distinct from God, though it is part of him: [Pro_8,22] and [Pro_8,30]. Through Wisdom, God created the world ([Pro_8,22] - [Pro_8,30]; [Sir_24,3] - [Sir_24,4]) and Wisdom shines forth in him: [Sir_43,1]. Wisdom guarantees the unfolding of the plan of salvation: [Wis_10,1] and [Sir_24,9] - [Sir_24,29]. Wisdom completely surpasses the human mind ([Job_9,1] and [Job_28,1]; [Ecl_3,10]) and it is only communicated through God's revelation ([Bar_3,9] - [Bar_3,29] and [Bar_4,1] - [Bar_4,2]; [Sir_24,8] - [Sir_24,12] and [Sir_24,23] - [Sir_24,25]). Wisdom is {N}nourishment coming forth from the mouth of God{/}: [Dt_8,3]; [Pro_9,5]; [Sir_24,3] and [Sir_24,19]; [Ps_19,11] and [Ps_81,17].

{N}9. THE RESURRECTION AND THE HEREAFTER.{/}
  
{N}90{/} According to the teaching of Jesus ([Lk_24,27]) the whole Bible announced the Resurrection, for wherever the Bible speaks of the covenant of the living God with mortals, it is understood that God means to share life with us forever: [Ex_3,6] and [Mk_12,26]; [Ps_16,11], [Ps_23,6], [Ps_73,25] - [Ps_73,26].
  
{N}91{/} But Old Testament believers, who only spoke of a sad and strange survival in {N}Sheol{/},_or the Place of the Dead, did not see that: [Is_38,18] - [Is_38,19]; [Ps_88,12] - [Ps_88,13], [Ps_115,17] -[Ps_115,18].
  
{N}92{/} The persecution at the time of the Maccabees forced them to reflect on the fate of_the martyrs and it became obvious to them that there would be no justice of_God if he {N}did not raise {/}them to share a happy life with him. Since Hebrew culture did not make the distinction between body and soul (see 83), they said that people would emerge from dust, or that they would have life again on Judgment day: [Dn_12,2]; [2Mac_7,1].
  
{N}93{/} At that same time Greek culture influenced Israel: the Greeks saw in each person something material, the{N} body{/}, and the{N} soul{/} (which gives life), oftentimes different from the {N}spirit{/}, in search of truth and good: [1Thes_5,23]. For this reason, Wisdom, the last of the Old Testament books, says that the {N}soul{/} (or the spirit) is {N}immortal {/}and it meets God at death: [Wis_2,1] and [Wis_3,1]. This conviction will later be found in all the books of the New Testament: [Mt_10,28]; [2Cor_5,1] - [2Cor_5,8].

