70 Law of Moses
The Law of Moses was a “very strict law” of “performances and ordinances” designed to keep the Israelites “in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.” (See Mosiah 13:29–30.)
- The Law of Moses prescribes the death penalty for the following activities, among others:
- Human sacrifice (Leviticus 20:1-5)
- Rape (Deuteronomy 22:25-27)
- Murder (Exodus 21:12-14, Leviticus 24:17-23, Numbers 35:9-34; see also Genesis 9:6)
- Adultery (Deuteronomy 22:23- 24)
- Bestiality (Exodus 22:19, Leviticus 20:15-16)
- Sodomy (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13)
- Incest (Leviticus 20:11-12)
- Sabbath breaking (Exodus 31:14, 35:2, Numbers 15:32-36)
- A woman who is found not to have been a virgin on the night of her wedding (Deuteronomy 22:23-24)
- Blasphemy (Leviticus 24:10-16)
- Worshiping other gods (Exodus 22:20, Leviticus 27:2)
- Witchcraft (Leviticus 20:27)
- Taking the LORD's name in vain or cursing his name (Leviticus 24:16)
- Cursing a parent (Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9)
- Kidnapping (Exodus 21:16, Deuteronomy 24:7)
- A son who persists in disobeying his parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21)
- Smiting a parent (Exodus 21:15)
- False prophecy (Deuteronomy 13:1-10, 17:2-7, 18:20-22)
- The law of Moses was a “preparatory gospel” that included the principles of repentance, baptism, remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments. (See D&C 84:23–27.)
- The law of Moses was highly symbolic, being filled with types and shadows, all of which pointed toward Christ and His future Atonement. (See Jarom 1:11; Mosiah 3:14–15; 13:31; 16:14; Alma 25:15; 34:14.)
- The law of Moses was added to the gospel, not given as a substitute for it. (See JST, Galatians 3:8, 19.)
- The law of Moses was given as a schoolmaster or tutor to bring Israel to Christ. (See Galatians 3:23–24.)
- The law of Moses is understood through the “spirit of prophecy” or “a testimony of Jesus.” (Alma 25:16; Revelation 19:10.)
Additional Resources:
Mormon teachings/Obedience/Ancient penalties
The Law of Moses and The Book of Mormon