Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Called: A Fiery Law

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, often referred to as the Torah, encompasses the commandments and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. It is foundational to the religious, moral, and social life of the Israelite community and is primarily contained within the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Among the various descriptions of the Law, it is notably referred to as a "fiery law" in Deuteronomy, highlighting its divine origin and powerful nature.

Biblical Reference:

In Deuteronomy 33:2, the Law is described in a vivid and powerful manner: "The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones, with a fiery law at His right hand." . This passage is part of Moses' final blessing to the tribes of Israel, where he recounts the majestic revelation of God at Mount Sinai. The imagery of a "fiery law" underscores the awe-inspiring and consuming nature of God's commandments, delivered amidst the thunder and fire of Sinai.

The Nature of the Fiery Law:

1. Divine Authority and Holiness:
The description of the Law as "fiery" emphasizes its divine authority and the holiness of God. Fire in the biblical context often symbolizes God's presence, purity, and judgment. The Law, therefore, is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of God's holy character and His covenant relationship with Israel.

2. Purification and Refinement:
Fire is also a symbol of purification and refinement. The Law serves to purify the people of Israel, setting them apart as a holy nation. It provides a standard of righteousness and a means by which the Israelites could maintain their covenant relationship with God. The fiery nature of the Law suggests its role in refining the hearts and actions of the people, calling them to live in accordance with God's will.

3. Judgment and Consequence:
The fiery aspect of the Law also conveys the seriousness of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Just as fire consumes and judges, the Law brings judgment upon those who transgress it. The blessings and curses associated with the Law, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28, further illustrate the weight of adhering to God's commandments.

4. Guidance and Illumination:
As a source of light, fire provides guidance and direction. The Law serves as a lamp to the feet and a light to the path of the Israelites (cf. Psalm 119:105). It offers wisdom and instruction, guiding the people in their daily lives and in their worship of God.

The Role of the Fiery Law in Israel's Life:

The Law of Moses, as a fiery law, was central to the identity and mission of Israel. It established the framework for their worship, social justice, and community life. The Law was to be taught diligently to each generation, ensuring that the covenant relationship with God was maintained and that the people remained distinct from the surrounding nations.

The fiery nature of the Law also pointed forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the Law and the Prophets (cf. Matthew 5:17). In the New Testament, the Law's role as a tutor leading to Christ is emphasized (cf. Galatians 3:24), highlighting its purpose in God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the Law of Moses, as a "fiery law," is a profound expression of God's holiness, justice, and love for His people. It calls for reverence, obedience, and a heart aligned with the divine will, serving as a perpetual reminder of the covenant between God and Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:2
And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir to them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pentecost
... through the Gospel; to grace is he called, as Christ ... works and laws are excluded,
even the laws of Moses. ... than does he who is occupied solely with the Law. 12. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

The Christ of the Sermon on the Mount
... not the Lawgiver, as he is often called, but only ... alone accounts for Christ's attitude
to law and prophets ... manners' spake to the old world by Moses, itself at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the christ of the sermon.htm

Letter cxi. (November, AD 409. )
... As it is written in the law of Moses, all this ... incline Thine ear, and hear; open
Thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by Thy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxi november a d 409.htm

Head of the Lord
... The fingers of the Lord"The lawgiver Moses, or the ... heavens," that is, the books of
the Law and the ... Gospel: "Jesus stood, and bade him be called," [3672] that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ix head of the lord.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... In these addresses Moses recounted their wanderings and Jehovah's ... that God had commanded
them in his law and gave ... After being called of God to depart into the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

Christ and Nicodemus.
... whom it will, effecting the inward change called the birth of ... that Nicodemus was
one of the doctors of the law. ... As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ and nicodemus.htm

How Throughout all the East the Services of Tierce, Sext, and None ...
... in the Old Testament these are ordered to be offered continually by the law of Moses? ...
forth of His hands on the Cross is quite correctly called a "lifting up ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iii how throughout all.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... to make any correction of the title, it has been called "Concerning Authors.". ... to
circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." And when ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ...
... ORATORY I THE ORATION OF MOSES AT THE REHEARSAL OF THE ... of the earth shall see that
thou art called by the ... not observe to do all the words of this law that are ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/i the oration of moses.htm

The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ...
... Then Moses also cried: Have mercy, Lord, on those to whom I gave thy law. Then John
also called: Have mercy, Lord, on those to whom I gave thy Gospel. ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of the virgin/the apocalypse of the holy.htm