Topical Bible: The Law of God: Given: Through Moses

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of God, as given through Moses, holds a central place in the narrative of the Old Testament and serves as a foundational element of the Judeo-Christian tradition. This divine legislation, often referred to as the Mosaic Law or the Torah, encompasses a comprehensive set of commandments, statutes, and ordinances that were delivered to the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt.

Revelation at Sinai

The Law was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, a pivotal event that is detailed in the Book of Exodus. This momentous occasion is marked by God's direct communication with Moses, as described in Exodus 19:18-20 : "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in the thunder. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up."

The Ten Commandments

At the heart of the Mosaic Law are the Ten Commandments, which serve as a moral and ethical guide for the Israelites. These commandments are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They include directives regarding the worship of God, the sanctity of the Sabbath, and principles governing interpersonal relationships, such as honoring one's parents and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony.

The Covenant Code and Additional Laws

Beyond the Ten Commandments, the Law encompasses a wide array of regulations covering various aspects of life, including civil, ceremonial, and moral laws. The Covenant Code, found in Exodus 21-23, provides detailed instructions on matters such as property rights, social justice, and religious observances. Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy further expand on these laws, offering guidance on issues ranging from dietary restrictions to the observance of holy days.

Purpose and Function

The Law of God, as given through Moses, served multiple purposes. It established a covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites, as articulated in Exodus 19:5-6 : "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." The Law was intended to set the Israelites apart as a people dedicated to God, providing a framework for righteous living and communal harmony.

The Role of the Law in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the Law of Moses is frequently referenced and interpreted in light of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Law remains a testament to God's holiness and justice, the New Testament emphasizes the fulfillment of the Law through Christ. As stated in Matthew 5:17 , Jesus declared, "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."

Enduring Significance

The Law of God, given through Moses, continues to be a subject of study and reflection within the Christian tradition. It provides insight into the character of God, the nature of sin, and the need for redemption. The principles enshrined in the Mosaic Law have influenced legal and ethical systems throughout history and remain relevant to discussions of morality and justice in contemporary society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 31:18
And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 7:19
Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why go you about to kill me?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Law Anterior to Moses.
... For in this law given to Adam we recognise in ... precepts which afterwards sprouted
forth when given through Moses; that is ... shalt love the Lord thy God from thy ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ii the law anterior to.htm

The Law Abrogated; the New Testament Promised and Given by God.
... to observe, as many as are seeking after the inheritance of God. ... the previous one;
and an eternal and final law"namely, Christ "has been given to us ...
/.../chapter xi the law abrogated the.htm

On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel
... the law, as given through Moses, is excluded: it is placed in the possibility of
its performance. For Adam was able, with the aid of God, to fulfill the law by ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 13 on the comparison.htm

The Chosen People
... upon their obedience to the law of God. ... They rendered outward service to God as the ...
In the instruction given through Moses, God had placed restrictions upon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

Moses Rightly Called a Divine Legislator, And, Though Inferior to ...
... divine ordinance (thesmos [2110] ), inasmuch as it was given by God through Moses.
It accordingly conducts to the divine. Paul says: "The law was instituted ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvi moses rightly called a.htm

"Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ. " These Words Belong ...
... while grace and truth not only were given but came into existence [4824] through
Jesus Christ. For His God and Father both gave the law through Moses, and made ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/3 grace and truth came.htm

"Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge"
... not to lose sight of the commandments of God, in obedience ... connected with the giving
of the law at Sinai ... were the warnings that had been given Israel against ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 24 destroyed for lack.htm

Of the Observance of the Sabbath.
... ever since this precept was given through Moses, the observance ... work," when, in
obedience to God's precept, they ... foreign foes, and recalled the law of their ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter iv of the observance of.htm

The Law of God
... weak through the flesh:" (Romans 8:3) God, therefore, willing ... by faith of Jesus Christ
might be given to them ... But the law which came after the promise, could ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

The vineyard of the Lord
... and to the house of Israel was given this great ... He made them the depositaries of
His law, and He purposed ... great power, and with a mighty hand," God brought His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm