Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Entire of, Written in a Book

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, often referred to as the Torah, encompasses the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This body of law 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. These books are collectively known as the Pentateuch.

Divine Origin and Purpose

The Law of Moses is divinely ordained, serving as a covenant between God and His chosen people, Israel. It is designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:5-6). The law provides guidelines for worship, civil governance, and personal conduct, reflecting God's holiness and justice. It is both a revelation of God's character and a means by which the Israelites could maintain a relationship with Him.

Written in a Book

The Law was meticulously recorded by Moses, as instructed by God. In Deuteronomy 31:9, it is stated, "So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel." This written record ensured the preservation and transmission of the law across generations. The book of the law was to be read publicly at regular intervals, particularly during the Feast of Tabernacles, to remind the people of their covenant obligations (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

Components of the Law

The Law of Moses can be categorized into several components:

1. Moral Law: This includes the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which serve as the ethical foundation for the Israelites, emphasizing duties to God and fellow humans.

2. Ceremonial Law: These laws pertain to religious rituals, sacrifices, and festivals, outlining the proper way to worship and maintain purity before God (Leviticus 1-7, 23).

3. Civil Law: These statutes govern the social and judicial aspects of Israelite life, addressing issues such as property rights, justice, and community relations (Exodus 21-23).

The Book of the Law

The "book of the law" is a term used to describe the written compilation of these commandments. In Joshua 1:8, the importance of this book is emphasized: "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." The book served as a constant reminder of God's requirements and promises.

Renewal and Reaffirmation

Throughout Israel's history, there were periods of renewal and reaffirmation of the law. Notably, during the reign of King Josiah, the book of the law was rediscovered in the temple, leading to a national revival and covenant renewal (2 Kings 22-23). This event underscores the centrality of the written law in guiding the spiritual and communal life of Israel.

The Law and the New Covenant

While the Law of Moses was specific to the covenant with Israel, its principles continue to hold significance in the broader biblical narrative. The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17), ushering in a new covenant based on grace and truth. The moral and ethical teachings of the law remain relevant, serving as a tutor to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

The Law of Moses, in its entirety and as written in a book, remains a testament to God's desire for a holy and obedient people, providing a framework for understanding His will and character.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 31:9
And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it to the priests the sons of Levi, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... Israel, gave them this message from God: "Remember ye the law of Moses my servant ...
which I commanded unto him" (Malachi 4:4). Indeed, the entire testimony of ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The Attack on the Book of Leviticus.
... he shall write him a copy of this law in a ... truth, except by a denial of the entire
Word of ... the one great and divinely-appointed personality, Moses, the lawgiver ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/v the attack on the.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... [23] Josephus's plain and express interpretation of this law of Moses, Deuteronomy
14 ... but before witnesses, and which, while they were entire, were certain ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

The Doctrine of the Apostolic Church
... 190:5] and that the ceremonial law had ceased ... 191:8] When statements advanced by
Moses, or David ... of less authority, they could not command our entire confidence ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the doctrine of.htm

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... If we suppose that it was Moses' custom to write out the precepts of the law with
the ... then the words in question must be understood of the entire body of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter ix authorship of the.htm

Book 13 Footnotes
... of both parties, being, we see, obliged to be confined to the law of Moses, or to ...
inform us; the latter of whom gives us here the entire inscription, "King ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 13 footnotes.htm

Book 2 Footnotes
... [5] This entire ignorance of ... Joseph, though it never was so among the Jews, by the
law of Moses ... [32] What that hexameter verse, in which Moses's triumphant song ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 2 footnotes.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... false colors as to deceive the entire Jewish nation? ... which are written in the law
of Moses ... Lord's conversation with Nicodemus he recognizes Moses in connection ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

What did Moses Write?
... the sweeping conclusion that the five books of the law were all and entire from
the ... the first five books of the Old Testament were all written by Moses. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... to them, was an object of dread to God when he existed entire, and by ... it will follow
that your god obeyed what is written in the law of Moses, "Thou shall ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm