It is astonishing to think that the Old Testament may be more humane in its treatment of issues of wealth and poverty than our own 21st century society. But that is one of the implications that arises from David L. Baker's book Tight Fists or Open Hands? Wealth and Poverty in Old Testament Law (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009).
In this engaging book, Baker reviews a wide range of Old Testament laws that deal with issues of ownership, land tenure, slavery (both permanent and temporary), fair trading practices, justice and the legal system, and the treatment of the most vulnerable in society (widows, orphans, and foreign residents). He compares these texts with others from the Ancient Near East. What comes through in the book is the relatively humane treatment of people that is envisioned in Old Testament laws. Especially in the book of Deuteronomy we find Israel being reminded repeatedly that they themselves had been subjected to harsh treatment and should not now treat those who are vulnerable harshly.
What stood out for me were some of the spoken and unspoken implications for Christians. First and foremost, there was an underlying concern in Israel for the protection of those who are most vulnerable. Israel was called to live out of a deep-seated concern for fair play and justice, especially for those who are on the margins of society. A society (or a church, for that matter) that does not put this into practice has no basis on which to claim that it is aligned with the purposes of God in the world.
Second, there was a serious attempt to provide for all who reside in Israel, even the resident non-Israelite! (This is especially striking given recent movements in Europe and North America against non-citizens and refugees.)
Finally, while we may have outlawed slavery more than a century ago, we are deluded if we think that slavery no longer exists in our world; it has just taken on forms that we are more readily able to conceal, disguise or ignore. Israel, at least, acknowledged the practice of slavery and attempted to mitigate its negative effects and to limits its practice.
This is a book that will bore some; but persistence and careful reflection on its overall presentation will help us to reap the benefits of careful study of Old Testament laws as we seek to live Christianly in our world.