Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Called: Lively Oracles

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Lively Oracles" refers to the Law of Moses, a foundational component of the Hebrew Scriptures, which encompasses the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the people of Israel through Moses. This designation highlights the dynamic and life-giving nature of these divine instructions, which were intended to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God and in their daily lives.

Biblical Foundation

The Law of Moses is primarily contained within the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These texts outline the historical context, moral imperatives, and ceremonial practices that were to define the identity and conduct of the Israelite nation. The Law is often divided into three categories: moral laws, civil laws, and ceremonial laws.

Lively Oracles in Scripture

The phrase "lively oracles" is derived from the New Testament, where it is used to describe the Law given to the Israelites. In Acts 7:38, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, refers to the Law as "living oracles" when recounting the history of Israel before the Sanhedrin: "He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to pass on to us" . This description underscores the belief that the Law is not merely a static set of rules but a vibrant, divine communication meant to animate and direct the lives of God's people.

Purpose and Function

The Law of Moses served several key purposes within the covenant community of Israel:

1. Revelation of God's Character: The Law reveals the holiness, justice, and righteousness of God. It provides a standard of moral conduct that reflects God's own nature and sets His people apart from surrounding nations.

2. Covenant Relationship: The Law was central to the covenant established between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. It delineated the terms of the relationship, including blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience.

3. Guidance for Living: The Law provided practical instructions for various aspects of daily life, including worship, social justice, and personal conduct. It was intended to promote a just and harmonious society.

4. Foreshadowing of Christ: From a Christian perspective, the Law also serves as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law's requirements and embodies its ultimate purpose. As stated in Romans 10:4, "Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes" .

The Law's Continuing Relevance

While Christians believe that the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law were fulfilled in Christ, the moral principles contained within the Law of Moses continue to hold relevance. They provide ethical guidance and insight into God's unchanging standards of righteousness. The Law's role as "lively oracles" remains significant in understanding the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

In summary, the Law of Moses, as the "lively oracles," represents a divine communication that is both life-giving and instructive, serving as a testament to God's enduring covenant with His people and His desire for them to live in accordance with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:38
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give to us:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts vii. 35
... they groaned, where they cried, whence they called upon God. ... to give thanks (to God),
they bring Moses forward: where it was, to do as the Law bade them ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvii acts vii 35.htm

Acts XIII
... to the resurrection is evident from the fact that he is called the "first ... all from
which you could not be justified in the law of Moses." The expression en ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Of Justification by Christ
... the Romans, he tells them, that "whom God called, those he ... in the heart, and a law
given by Moses; and that ... here I shall still have recourse "to the law and to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/of justification by christ.htm

The Way to the Kingdom
... the law," (Acts 21:20, ) even the ceremonial law of Moses. ... and joy in the holy Ghost."
It is called "the kingdom ... God," which "is not subject to the law of God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 7 the way to.htm

The Potter and the Clay
... justly admires the dignity and grandeur of Moses's account of ... so many learned men,
falsely so called, betray their ... is therefore not subject unto the law of God ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the potter and the clay.htm

The Roman Empire at the Time of the Birth of Christ. Upwards of a ...
... and bewilderment; for the votaries of what was called wisdom entertained ... as they
foolishly alleged, were handed down from Moses, they completely ... The law of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the roman empire.htm

Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ...
... promises; and although the Law given from God by Moses, as touching ... him, and by him,
every true Christian man may be called a fulfiller of the law. ...
/.../articles of religion of the.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... the Crucifixion an intimation that the old law was no ... depended on Hesiod as well
as Moses, and to ... the second generation consisted of a race called Gregori, who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... as on dry ground, "Then sang Moses and the ... of our great and all-wise law-giver Jesus ...
to use Sir Richard Steel's expression) emphatically called, the Scriptures ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... of circumcision, which was the initiating law of old ... first institution, and therefore
it is called the token of ... And thus Moses himself expounds it; 'every man's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm