There is one over-arching theme in the Old Testament: Israel is close to God, God blesses Israel. Israel moves away from God, God allows Israel to be persecuted, plunged into civil war, and eventually destroyed and scattered. This cycle, which is laid out quite clearly in the 2 Chronicles, is also presented in microcosm, many, many times throughout, through the histories of individuals. God works through history, and uses nations, even nations which are decidedly NOT Godly, such as Assyria and Babylon and Egypt, to do those things which he has promised again and again.

God has not changed. When his people (Christians, Jews) follow Him, the WHOLE LAND is blessed, and vice versa.

Also, these laws were in effect for the first couple hundred years of America.
Also, these laws are in effect on the community level. And on the family level. And on the personal level.

I think this may be what albusteve is getting at.