Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Called: Book of the Law

Bible > Topical > The Law of Moses

◄ The Law of Moses: Called: Book of the Law ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, often referred to as the "Book of the Law," is a foundational component of the Hebrew Scriptures and holds significant importance in the Judeo-Christian tradition. It encompasses the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This body of law is primarily contained within the first five books of the Bible, known collectively as the Pentateuch or the Torah: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Terminology and Structure

The term "Book of the Law" is used to describe the written record of these divine instructions. In Deuteronomy 31:24-26 , it is recorded: "When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: 'Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.'"

The Law of Moses is traditionally divided into three main categories:

1. Moral Law: This includes the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which serve as the ethical foundation for both Jewish and Christian moral teachings. These commandments address the relationship between God and humanity, as well as interpersonal relationships.

2. Ceremonial Law: These laws pertain to the religious rituals and practices of the Israelites, including sacrifices, festivals, and dietary regulations. Leviticus, in particular, details many of these ceremonial laws, emphasizing holiness and purity in worship.

3. Civil Law: These laws govern the social and judicial aspects of Israelite society, providing guidelines for justice, property rights, and community relations. They are designed to maintain order and reflect God's justice and righteousness.

Purpose and Significance

The Law of Moses serves several key purposes:

· Covenant Relationship: The Law establishes the terms of the covenant between God and the Israelites. It is a reflection of God's holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "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."

· Revelation of God's Character: The Law reveals the character and nature of God, highlighting His justice, mercy, and righteousness. It provides a standard by which God's people are to live, reflecting His holiness in their conduct.

· Guide for Living: The Law offers practical guidance for daily living, covering aspects of personal conduct, community life, and worship. It is intended to lead the Israelites in a life that honors God and promotes social harmony.

· Foreshadowing of Christ: From a Christian perspective, the Law is seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law's requirements and embodies its principles. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus states, "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."

Historical Context

The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 19-24, marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. It is here that God establishes His covenant with the Israelites, setting them apart as His chosen people. The Law is reiterated and expanded upon in the book of Deuteronomy, as Moses prepares the new generation of Israelites to enter the Promised Land.

Throughout Israel's history, adherence to the Law is seen as a measure of the nation's faithfulness to God. The Law is central to the identity and religious life of the Jewish people, and its principles continue to influence Christian theology and ethics.

Preservation and Transmission

The Book of the Law was meticulously preserved and transmitted through generations. It was read publicly to the people, as seen in Nehemiah 8:1-3 , where Ezra the scribe reads the Law to the assembly. The Law's preservation underscores its enduring significance and authority as the Word of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 30:10
If you shall listen to the voice of the LORD your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... of the Lord." Four times within seven verses it is called "The Book ... to observe the
Passover as it had been prescribed in "the law of Moses." Josiah commanded ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

Moses Rightly Called a Divine Legislator, And, Though Inferior to ...
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies: Book I Chapter XXVI."Moses Rightly Called a Divine ...
Whence the law was rightly said to have been given by Moses, being ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvi moses rightly called a.htm

Of the Law.
... by a sound understanding, in obedience to Him that called you ... heathen, for them to
perform all things in their law. For the divine Moses forbids both to rear an ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm

Jewish Criticism of the Law of Christ.
... Book XIV. ... said that, if she who committed adultery was according to the law to be ...
give it into the hands of the wife; but indeed perhaps Moses called every sin ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/24 jewish criticism of the.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... as the covenant made with the people at this time is called "this covenant ... our curiosity
to know exactly in what outward form Moses left the Law with the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ...
... not read what was spoken by God to Moses: I am ... living," [2105] most clearly teach
us, that He called the God ... knowing that He who is written in the law is the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv the god of the.htm

The Scattering of the People
... And yet, even in far-off heathen Babylon the Lord called men to add to His ... they spake
unto Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter v the scattering of.htm

Moses and his Writings
... of Moses was done, and Joshua took his place, called by God to ... When Moses brought
the Children of Israel out of Egypt they were ... 'This book of the law shall not ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Josiah and the Newly Found Law
... of the law of the Lord given by Moses.15 ... The first function of the law is to arouse
the knowledge of ... a further word from God; and so he called these attendants ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/josiah and the newly found.htm

The Attack on the Book of Leviticus.
... throne of his kingdom, he shall write him a copy of this law in a ... the first verses
of the book it is written: "And the Lord called upon Moses, and spake ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/v the attack on the.htm