The Mosaic Law can also be mapped using the quadrant model, and this can provide a deeper understanding of how the commandments and regulations of the law can be related to the different dimensions of reality. Here is one way to organize the Mosaic Law according to the four quadrants:
Autogenic (Ideal-Subjective)
Heart and Intention: The regulations of purification, which are described in books such as Leviticus, are about how the Israelites were to achieve purification and holiness in order to be accepted by God. These regulations are not just external rituals, but carry a deeper meaning related to the personal relationship with God and the desire to live a life in accordance with His holiness.
Examples of Purification Regulations:
Purification after discharge (Leviticus 15) and purification after illness (e.g. skin diseases in Leviticus 13-14) illustrate how physical purification was necessary in order to participate in religious life. This emphasizes the importance of being “clean” in order to approach God.
Purification before holy feasts: Purification practices before participating in feasts and sacrifices show how being in a state of purification and holiness was a personal and subjective experience that reflected a deeper longing to be close to God.
Endogenous (Material-Subjective)
Rituals and Religious Practices: Regulations involving individual and collective religious acts and rituals. For example, the many regulations regarding Sabbath rest and feasts (see Exodus 20:8-11; 23:14-17). These regulations emphasize the subjective experience of worship and community in material life.
Exogenous (Material-Objective)
Social and Legal Laws: Commandments that regulate the social order, such as rules regarding property, punishment for crimes, and fair treatment of fellow citizens. For example, in Exodus 21:12-14, which provides for punishment for violence and murder. These are objective rules intended to maintain order in society.
Extragen (Ideal-Objective)
Moral Ideals: The commandments that reflect God’s moral standards and ideals for human interaction. For example, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) summarize fundamental ethical principles, such as not to steal, not to lie, and to honor one’s father and mother. These ideals are intended to apply to the entire society and represent objective standards of goodness and justice.
Summary
By using the quadrant model to organize the Mosaic Law, one can see how different aspects of the law relate to the four dimensions of reality. This provides a holistic understanding of how commandments and regulations not only regulate external actions, but also take into account internal intentions, subjective experiences, social structures, and universal moral ideals. This perspective can help believers see how the Mosaic Law is still relevant today, both in personal life and in societal relationships.