It’s a question worth asking, because the answer might surprise you.
Think about it: those who create systems of order, who value living under laws, they're often seen as better, more virtuous people. Their goal? To make sure everyone believes these laws are ancient and timeless, not just some trendy new idea. They want to be seen as the originators, the ones who set the standard.
So, what makes a truly great lawgiver? Well, according to our source, it’s all about creating the best possible life for the people, convincing them to embrace those laws, and ensuring they stick to them, no matter what—through thick and thin.
Now, here's where it gets really interesting. The writer Flavius Josephus, in his work Against Apion, makes a pretty bold claim. He argues that our lawgiver—referring to Moses, of course—is the most ancient of them all. He says that figures like Lycurgus (Sparta), Solon (Athens), and Zaleucus (Locri), all these Greek legislators admired for their wisdom, are practically newborns compared to Moses.
Think about it. Josephus points out that even the concept of law was foreign to the ancient Greeks. He uses Homer as an example. The writer of the Iliad and the Odyssey never uses the word "law" in his epics. Back then, society was guided by wise sayings and the commands of the king, a system of unwritten customs that were constantly shifting and changing.
But Moses? According to Josephus, he presented himself as the ultimate guide and counselor, shaping every aspect of their lives through his legislation. And, crucially, he convinced the people to accept it, to internalize it, to live it. Even those who criticize the Jewish people, Josephus notes, acknowledge the antiquity of Moses.
He didn't just give them rules; he gave them a way of life, a comprehensive system that aimed to create a just and righteous society. That’s a legacy that continues to resonate today, isn't it? It makes you wonder, what is it about these ancient laws that has allowed them to endure for so long? And what can we learn from them about creating a more just and equitable world today?