Definition and Purpose

Instruction by the Law refers to the teaching and guidance provided by the Mosaic Law, as given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. The Law, primarily encapsulated in the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—serves as a divine guide for moral, ceremonial, and civil conduct. It is intended to instruct God's people in righteousness, holiness, and justice, setting them apart as a nation dedicated to the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The Law was delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai and is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In Exodus 24:12 , the Lord says to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction." This underscores the divine origin and purpose of the Law as a means of instruction.

Moral Instruction

The moral aspects of the Law, including the Ten Commandments, provide a framework for ethical behavior. These commandments are not merely rules but are intended to reflect God's holy character and to instruct His people in living lives that honor Him. Deuteronomy 6:1-2 states, "These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged."

Ceremonial Instruction

The ceremonial laws include instructions for worship, sacrifices, and rituals that were to be observed by the Israelites. These laws served to maintain the purity of the community and to foreshadow the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the Law. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This highlights the call to holiness through adherence to ceremonial practices.

Civil Instruction

The civil laws provided guidelines for justice and social order within the Israelite community. These laws addressed issues such as property rights, restitution, and community welfare. They were designed to promote justice and equity, reflecting God's concern for righteousness in societal relationships. Exodus 21:1 begins a section of civil laws with, "These are the ordinances that you are to set before them."

Role of the Law in Education

The Law was central to the education of the Israelite people. Parents were instructed to teach the Law diligently to their children, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 : "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the importance of the Law in daily life and its role in shaping the character and faith of future generations.

The Law and the Prophets

The prophets of the Old Testament often called the people back to the instruction of the Law, reminding them of their covenant obligations. They emphasized that true adherence to the Law was not merely external compliance but involved a heart aligned with God's will. Jeremiah 31:33 prophesies a new covenant, saying, "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."

Fulfillment in Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the Law. He perfectly embodied its moral and ethical teachings and provided the ultimate sacrifice that the ceremonial laws pointed toward. Matthew 5:17 records Jesus saying, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." Through Christ, believers are empowered to live out the righteousness that the Law instructs, not through legalistic adherence but through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.