ABSTRACT
The ethical principles laid down by the moral law are clearly defined by the Prophets and repeated frequently and emphatically. To apprehend the ethical teaching of the Prophets, the meaning must be analysed of the Hebrew words which are translated, ‘loving-kindness, justice and righteousness’. The Prophets were concerned in their ethical teaching with the treatment of the weaker members of society by the stronger, of the poor by the rich, of humble subjects by rulers, of needy suitors by judges. The weak have the right to be treated with humane consideration. In their case justice can be given only by love. The ethical principles which the Prophets enunciate are intended for the lives of individuals and human societies. The duty of holiness is not specifically enjoined by the Prophets, among ethical duties. The omission may suggest that the concept of holiness had not yet attained fully its ethical content; it retained the significance of separation.
