Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Know

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Torah, comprises the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It serves as the foundational legal and moral code for the Israelites, given by God through Moses. The Law encompasses commandments, statutes, and ordinances that govern religious, civil, and ethical life.

Divine Origin and Purpose

The Law of Moses is divinely ordained, as God Himself delivered it to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:5-6). The Law serves multiple purposes: it reveals God's character, provides a standard of righteousness, and establishes a covenant relationship between God and His people.

Requirement to Know the Law

The Israelites were commanded to know and adhere to the Law diligently. This requirement is emphasized in several passages, underscoring the importance of internalizing God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "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."

The Law was to be a constant presence in the lives of the Israelites, guiding their actions and decisions. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 reiterates this, stating, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Public Reading and Instruction

To ensure that all Israelites were familiar with the Law, public readings were mandated. Every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles, the Law was to be read aloud to the entire assembly of Israel, including men, women, children, and foreigners residing among them (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). This practice was intended to foster reverence for God and adherence to His commandments.

Role of Priests and Levites

The priests and Levites played a crucial role in teaching the Law to the people. They were responsible for interpreting the Law and providing instruction on its application. Malachi 2:7 highlights their duty: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts."

Consequences of Ignorance

Ignorance of the Law was not tolerated, as it led to disobedience and divine judgment. Hosea 4:6 warns, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."

The Law as a Guide and Tutor

The Law of Moses served as a guide and tutor for the Israelites, pointing them toward righteousness and holiness. It was a means of instruction, shaping their identity as God's chosen people and preparing them for the coming of the Messiah. Galatians 3:24 reflects on this role: "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

In summary, the Law of Moses was central to the life and faith of the Israelites. It was imperative for every Israelite to know and live by the Law, ensuring that God's commandments were woven into the fabric of their daily existence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 18:16
When they have a matter, they come to me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... Midianite, who was the father-in-law to Moses; for they ... had done what was contrary
to the law, that they ... to be a multitude, and came to enjoy all other degrees ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm

From Sinai to Kadesh.
... This covenant is commonly called "The Law of Moses." All the rest ... There are probably
two purposes in promulgating this law. (1) To preserve the Israelites as a ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vi from sinai to.htm

The Woman of Samaria
... keeping Moses' law, ended by crucifying him who made Abraham, and Moses, and his
law, and them ... All Christ asks of you is, to receive him when he comes to ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

Boniface viii Ad 1294-1303.
... But this new Jubilee had nothing to do with the law of Moses, and was ... The Colonnas
were scattered in all quarters, and it is said that one of them, named ...
/.../chapter xvi boniface viii ad.htm

Book 3 Footnotes
... Moses was evidently to preserve the Israelites from the ... evidence for the great antiquity
of Moses's law is incomparably ... indeed is generally none at all, it is ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... one suppose that Moses, who recorded the establishment of this economy with all
its details ... are other references to the book of Genesis in the law of Moses. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

Book 2 Footnotes
... never was so among the Jews, by the law of Moses. ... to any thing else when he said
of Moses, before he ... Israelites, that he was not only learned in all the wisdom ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 2 footnotes.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... of John the Baptist, still gives this charge, "Remember ye the law of Moses, My
servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

Christ the Deliverer.
... needs be fulfilled which are written in the law of Moses ... This is typfied by Moses
going into Egypt to deliver ... power of sin, and was tempted in all points as we ...
/.../vii christ the deliverer.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... if the Gospel says that the ceremonies of Moses, which were ... as necessary (just as
in the Law ceremonies were ... it, so the apostles once for all free consciences ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm