1. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house...
I enjoy these kinds of biblical rules. In literalism, the quote is simple and doesn't really create any kind of conflict. It simply means WRITE THEM ON YOU DOORPOSTS. However, these types of simple biblical rules have an immensely important purpose, a purpose that really can only be fulfilled by following these simple and seemingly random rules. That purpose would be to engage your mind. By doing something so simple as writing the rules of God on your doorposts, one is force to spend a significant amount time connecting with the rules. If you spend an hour writing ten rules on your door as Jacobs did, then you instantly become more familiar with the rules. I like the fact that these seemingly pointless decrees have this underlying power to keep people conscious of how to practice good behavior. (almost like subliminal messaging)
2. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes... you shall leave them for the poor.
This is probably my favorite concept in the bible. This idea, when applied in ancient Israel, was that you shall leave food for the poor, because they need it. It is one of the verses that probably should be interpreted literally (minus the vineyard part) the concept of giving is a good one to follow. In Jacobs journey, he focuses more on the idea of sacrifice implied by this verse, giving up something of yours for God or someone else. These sacrifices force people to recognize what they HAVE, for when you give something a way (the life of a chicken or the fruits of your labor) you have no option but to think of how useful that thing was. It seems like the main goal of such sacrifices are to be mindful of self, others, the earth, God, everything really. This verse highlights the importance of mindfulness.
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