Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Called: Word Spoken by Angels

Bible > Topical > The Law of Moses

◄ The Law of Moses: Called: Word Spoken by Angels ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic 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 people of Israel through Moses. This body of law is primarily found in the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch or the Torah, which includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Foundation

The Law of Moses is often referred to as the "Word Spoken by Angels" in the New Testament, highlighting its divine origin and the mediatory role of angels in its delivery. This concept is notably mentioned in the book of Hebrews: "For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment" (Hebrews 2:2). This passage underscores the seriousness and authority of the Law, as it was delivered through angelic beings, emphasizing its heavenly origin and the expectation of adherence.

Role and Purpose

The Law served multiple purposes within the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It was a guide for righteous living, a means to maintain holiness, and a way to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations. The Law provided instructions on moral, ceremonial, and civil matters, covering aspects of daily life, worship, and justice. It was intended to lead the people into a deeper understanding of God's holiness and their need for obedience and atonement.

Mediation by Angels

The involvement of angels in the giving of the Law is a theme that appears in both Jewish and early Christian thought. In Acts 7:53, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, addresses the Sanhedrin, saying, "You who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it" . This reinforces the belief that angels played a role in the transmission of the Law, serving as intermediaries between God and Moses.

The Law and the New Covenant

In the New Testament, the Law of Moses is often contrasted with the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ. While the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus, as stated in John 1:17: "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" . The apostle Paul further elaborates on the purpose of the Law in Galatians 3:19, explaining that it was "added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred" . This indicates that the Law served as a temporary measure to guide and instruct until the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the Law and established a new covenant.

Significance in Christian Theology

The Law of Moses remains a critical element in understanding the narrative of redemption and the character of God. It reveals God's standards of holiness and justice, while also pointing to humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through works alone. The Law's role as the "Word Spoken by Angels" adds a layer of divine authority and reverence, reminding believers of the sacredness of God's commands and the ultimate fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:2
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Essence of God Never Appeared in Itself. Divine Appearances to ...
... him?" Were they not angels because they are called men ... any particular word was wrought,
but the Law itself is ... the faithful doubts that God gave to Moses for the ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 11 the essence of god.htm

A Letter on the Sin against the Holy Ghost to John Uytenbogard ...
... this sin is there compared with the violation or abrogation of the law of Moses,
as a ... is also evident from Hebrews 2:2-4. This sin is also called "a doing ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/a letter on the sin.htm

Hebrews xii. 18-24
... Inasmuch as He was about to promulgate His Law through Moses, therefore He ... a voice,"
addressing the multitude: [3435] yea and his name shall be called. ...
/.../homily xxxii hebrews xii 18-24.htm

Texts Explained; Thirdly...
... the contrary, things originate cannot be called generate, God's ... And the Law [2179]
was spoken by Angels, and ... And then, from Adam unto Moses death reigned [2181 ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xiii texts explained thirdly.htm

Hebrews i. 8-Jun
... Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." Nor would he have called the name ... But how
is it said in another place, "The Law was given by Moses" ( John 1:17 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily iii hebrews i 8-jun.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... There is no salvation now by the law of Moses without Christ ... as it were by the works
of the law, Romans 9 ... his people in the truth: hence he is called "a teacher ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

The Day of Pentecost.
... Our attention is next called to the subjects of this miracle ... the divine authority
of the law of Moses, had received ... the benefit of it; but the new law from Sion ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ii the day of.htm

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... five books of our Bible, known among us as the Pentateuch, and called by the Jews
sometimes simply "The Law," and sometimes "The Law of Moses." This was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... his name was called Jesus, being that by which he was called by the ... [30] [211] And
when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were [31 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend ... they had the righteousness
of the law in themselves. ... or for their punishment, as Moses himself declared ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm