The concept of the Law of God as "exceeding broad" is rooted in the understanding of God's commandments as comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of life and morality. This phrase is derived from Psalm 119:96, which states, "I have seen an end to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit" . This verse highlights the infinite nature of God's law, suggesting that it transcends human understanding and limitations.

Nature and Purpose of the Law

The Law of God, as revealed in the Scriptures, serves multiple purposes. It is a reflection of God's holy character and a guide for righteous living. The law is not merely a set of rules but a revelation of God's will for humanity. In the Old Testament, the law was given to the Israelites through Moses, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and expanded in the Mosaic Law. These laws were intended to set Israel apart as a holy nation and to instruct them in justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ affirms the enduring significance of the law. In Matthew 5:17-18, He declares, "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. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" . Here, Christ emphasizes the continuity and fulfillment of the law in His life and teachings.

The Law's Exceeding Breadth

The breadth of God's law is evident in its application to every aspect of human existence. It addresses not only external actions but also internal attitudes and intentions. Jesus expands on this in the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches that the law's demands go beyond mere outward compliance to encompass the heart's motives. For instance, in Matthew 5:21-22, He equates anger with murder, illustrating the law's deep moral and spiritual dimensions.

The Apostle Paul further elucidates the law's role in revealing sin and guiding believers toward righteousness. In Romans 7:7, he writes, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if it had not been for the law. For I would not have known coveting if the law had not said, 'Do not covet'" . The law serves as a mirror, reflecting humanity's sinful nature and the need for divine grace.

The Law and the New Covenant

Under the New Covenant, believers are called to uphold the spirit of the law through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The law is written on their hearts, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33, "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" . This internalization of the law enables Christians to live in accordance with God's will, motivated by love rather than obligation.

The Apostle James refers to the law as the "perfect law of freedom" (James 1:25), indicating that adherence to God's commandments leads to true liberty. This freedom is not the absence of restraint but the ability to live in harmony with God's design, free from the bondage of sin.

Conclusion

The Law of God, in its exceeding breadth, remains a vital component of the Christian faith. It reveals God's holiness, exposes human sinfulness, and guides believers in righteous living. Through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the law is fulfilled and internalized, enabling believers to walk in the freedom and fullness of God's will.Psalm 119:96
I have seen an end of all perfection: but your commandment is exceeding broad.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The one Escape.
... The proud dug pits for him, contrary to the law of God; contrary to honour and justice;
and almost ... For God's commandments are exceeding broad, and take in ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiii the one escape.htm

Mem.
... which, while we do the commandments of God, we feel ... in this great Psalm, "Thy
commandment is exceeding broad:" [5266] in ... what love have I unto Thy law, O Lord ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/mem.htm

Christ the End of the Law
... is of faith," which is also called "God's righteousness"; and ... and long and high as
the law itself. The commandment is exceeding broad, but the righteousness of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the end of the.htm

1 John v. 3-Jan
... 2515] In this, then, is "Thy commandment exceeding broad." What is the ... that which
man cannot hurt: lovest God, lovest the brotherhood, lovest the law of God ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily x 1 john v.htm

Lamed.
... what he hath added, "Thy commandment is exceeding broad;" I understand ... whereby we
are enjoined to love God and our ... that, "on" which "hang all the Law and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/lamed.htm

"Take My Yoke Upon You," &C.
... at large to expatiate in the exceeding broad commandments, and in the infinite goodness
of God, where there ... a reasonable spirit, to be under the law of him ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii take my yoke.htm

The Unchangeable One
... an end of all perfection; but thy commandment is exceeding broad. ... the psalmist says
in another place, God has made ... and ever, and given them a law which cannot ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiii the unchangeable one.htm

The Word of God.
... If my delight had not been in Thy law, I should ... all things come to an end: but Thy
commandment is exceeding broad. ... if there is not a Word of God, who endures ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiv the word of.htm

Sin Immeasurable
... So is it with the law of God. ... "The commandment is exceeding broad." Think then for
a moment of the spirituality of the law, its extent and strictness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/sin immeasurable.htm

Sin is Spiritual Slavery
... they are not completely up to the mark of this high calling of God. For, the sense
of this obligation is an exceeding broad one,"like the law itself which it ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin is spiritual slavery.htm

Law vs. grace-why is there so much conflict among Christians on the issue? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Christians are not under the law? | GotQuestions.org

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Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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