Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: Given: Through Moses As Mediator

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The Law of Moses, often referred to 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, who served as the mediator between God and His chosen people.

Moses as Mediator

Moses is a central figure in the narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. His role as mediator is established early in the biblical account, where he is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of bondage and to receive the Law on their behalf. The Book of Exodus details this divine appointment, highlighting Moses' unique position as the intermediary between God and the nation of Israel.

In Exodus 19:3-6 , God calls Moses to ascend Mount Sinai, where He delivers a message for the Israelites: "Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, 'This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob and explain to the sons of Israel: You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 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.'"

The Giving of the Law

The Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments, which serve as the core ethical guidelines for the Israelites. These commandments are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and include directives on worship, morality, and social justice. The Law extends beyond these tenets, encompassing a comprehensive legal and ceremonial system designed to govern the religious, civil, and moral life of the Israelite community.

Moses' role as mediator is further emphasized in Exodus 24:3-4 , where he communicates God's words to the people: "When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: 'All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.' And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD."

The Covenant Relationship

The Law of Moses is integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This covenant, often referred to as the Sinai Covenant, establishes the Israelites as God's chosen people, bound to Him through obedience to His commandments. Deuteronomy 5:2-3 reiterates this covenantal relationship: "The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today."

Moses' mediatory role is crucial in maintaining this covenant, as he frequently intercedes on behalf of the people, especially in times of rebellion or disobedience. His intercession is evident in instances such as the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), where Moses pleads with God to spare the Israelites despite their transgressions.

The Purpose and Significance of the Law

The Law of Moses serves multiple purposes: it reveals the holiness and righteousness of God, sets Israel apart as a distinct nation, and provides a framework for living in accordance with God's will. It is both a guide for personal conduct and a means of maintaining communal harmony and justice.

In the New Testament, the Law is seen as a precursor to the coming of Christ, who fulfills the Law's requirements and establishes a new covenant. However, the moral and ethical teachings of the Mosaic Law continue to hold relevance for believers, as they reflect the character and expectations of a holy God.

Moses, as the mediator of the Law, is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. This typology is explored in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the greater mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 5:5,27,28
(I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to show you the word of the LORD: for you were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
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Galatians 3:19
Why then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
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Library

Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels?
... for it is written (Ex.33:11): "The Lord spoke to Moses face to face ... On the contrary,
The Apostle said (Gal.3:19) that the Law was "given [Vulg.: 'ordained ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law was 3.htm

Whether the Old Law was Suitably Given at the Time of Moses?
... I answer that, It was most fitting for the Law to be given at the time of Moses. ...
on some men who are hard-hearted and proud, whom the law restrains and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law was 4.htm

On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel
... (Hebrews 3:5, 6.) "The law was given by Moses; Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ"
(John 1, 17.) The law was given by the hands of a mediator ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 13 on the comparison.htm

The Righteous Men who Lived in the Time of the Law were for all ...
... through Moses to overcome it: it was not given, in fact ... Jesus Christ, and not the
law of Moses, from which ... law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 29 the righteous men who.htm

Objection that Some were Baptized unto Moses and Believed in Him ...
... were baptized unto Moses, it does not follow that the grace given of the ... point out,
too, that it is usual in Scripture to say Moses and the law, [995] as ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xiv objection that some.htm

Remaining Books of the Old Testament.
... All things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the ... affirmed
of the Old Testament, that "all scripture is given by inspiration ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xi remaining books of.htm

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ...
... How could the Law produce righteousness for those who lived before Moses, since
Moses was the first through whom the Law was given; and since even ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/thirteenth sunday after trinity gods.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... Accordingly, the Blessed Apostle draws a contrast between Moses and Christ to our
comfort; "the Law," he says, "was given by Moses, but grace and truth ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... Why it behaved the Church to ascend higher than these elements, is explained by
John the Baptist, when he says, "The law was given by Moses, but grace ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

Moses the Intercessor
... divine promise is broken, thus revealing a standing law that these ... are not the reasons
why it is given by Him ... What was true when Moses prayed for the rebels is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/moses the intercessor.htm