Drich has covered it for the most part. I just want to add that critics generally don't consider the purpose of the law, probably because they don't know it.
Exodus 19
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Note that the purpose of the law was not just to maintain order as in any other nation. It was to make Israel a special treasure above other nations.
So, when you argue that the law seems severe, well...yes, it is. The law wouldn't make them special relative to other peoples if it was pretty much the same as any other law.
Also note that God did not impose the law on them. He offered it, with reward if obeyed and punishment if not, and they voluntarily accepted it.
Exodus 19
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.
Note that the purpose of the law was not just to maintain order as in any other nation. It was to make Israel a special treasure above other nations.
So, when you argue that the law seems severe, well...yes, it is. The law wouldn't make them special relative to other peoples if it was pretty much the same as any other law.
Also note that God did not impose the law on them. He offered it, with reward if obeyed and punishment if not, and they voluntarily accepted it.
