An ecological reading of Israel's laws in the Covenant Code: Ex 20,22-23,33

Abstract

This work intends to make an ecological reading of the laws of the Hebrews in the Code of the Covenant (Ex 20,22-23,33), from the elements pointed out in the laws that refer to the vegetal, animal and mineral nature. The objective is to point to the requirement of the Code of the Covenant to the Israelites that they should be clear that Yahweh was present in their lives and he would bless them when using animals to perform sacrifices as well as the stones for building altars. Also show the demand for the care of animals and of the land with the organization of agricultural production that respects the rest of the land for its natural recomposition; and the demand for the care of human life in this set of life between vegetal, mineral and animal nature. This set can be seen as corresponding to Leonardo Boff's current definition of ecology, that is, the set of life in an interrelationship of all beings, living and inanimate. It is intended to conclude that the biblical law in Exodus points to the care of nature, which today is the care of the Common House, in Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si'. It is also intended to conclude that the legislation of a people must be at the service of life and the defense of the environment, as was the Israeli law, because Yahweh will hear the cry of the poor just as he heard the cry of the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt.