These once semi-nomadic and enslaved peoples were looking to a settled future in the Promised Land they believed God intended for them. An agreed code of laws would be an important step in bonding them together as a people. As time passed and circumstances changed, the commandments had to be interpreted and, in that process, the prevailing culture had an influence. The Sabbath was intended to be a day of rest for all, time for refreshment of body, mind and spirit. CS Lewis argued that this applied in particular to the final commandment about greed: “You shall not covet .

Source: The Irish Times March 06, 2021 00:01 UTC