Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionThe 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 is a comprehensive set of divine instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses, serving as a covenantal framework for their relationship with God and their conduct as His chosen people.
Biblical FoundationThe Law of Moses is primarily found in the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch or the Torah. These books—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—contain the historical narrative of the Israelites and the detailed legal and moral codes that God provided to them.
Purpose and ContentThe Law was given to the Jews as a means to set them apart as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (
Exodus 19:5-6). It encompasses various aspects of life, including moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. The moral laws, such as the Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:1-17), provide ethical guidelines for righteous living. The ceremonial laws dictate the religious practices and rituals, including sacrifices and festivals, which were central to Israelite worship. The civil laws govern social justice, property rights, and community relations.
Key Elements1.
The Ten Commandments: These are the core moral imperatives given by God, serving as a summary of the ethical standards expected of the Israelites (
Exodus 20:1-17;
Deuteronomy 5:6-21).
2.
The Covenant Code: Found in
Exodus 20:22-23:33, this section includes laws on worship, social justice, and community life.
3.
The Priestly Code: Detailed in Leviticus, this code outlines the regulations for sacrifices, offerings, and the priesthood, emphasizing holiness and purity.
4.
The Holiness Code:
Leviticus 17-26 contains laws that stress the importance of holiness in all aspects of life, including dietary restrictions and sexual conduct.
5.
The Deuteronomic Code: Deuteronomy reiterates and expands upon earlier laws, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel and the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
The Role of MosesMoses is the central figure through whom God delivered the Law to the Israelites. As a prophet and leader, Moses acted as an intermediary between God and the people, receiving the Law on Mount Sinai and instructing the Israelites in its observance (
Exodus 24:12;
Deuteronomy 5:1-5).
Significance in Jewish TraditionFor the Jewish people, the Law of Moses is not merely a legal code but a divine gift that defines their identity and relationship with God. It is a source of wisdom and guidance, shaping their religious, cultural, and social life. The observance of the Law is seen as an expression of faithfulness to the covenant with God.
The Law and the New TestamentIn the New Testament, the Law of Moses is acknowledged as holy and righteous (
Romans 7:12). However, it is also understood in light of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Jesus affirmed the Law's moral teachings while fulfilling its ceremonial aspects (
Matthew 5:17). The apostle Paul explains that the Law serves as a tutor leading to Christ, highlighting the need for faith and grace (
Galatians 3:24-25).
ConclusionThe Law of Moses remains a vital part of biblical theology and ethics, reflecting God's character and His desire for a holy people. Its principles continue to influence Christian thought and practice, providing a foundation for understanding God's will and the nature of righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Leviticus 26:46These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 78:5
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Law Anterior to Moses.
... Whence we understand that God's law was anterior even to Moses, and was not first
(given) in Horeb, nor in Sinai and in the desert, but was more ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ii the law anterior to.htm
That the Former Law which was Given by Moses was to Cease.
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews. <. ... First Book. 9. That
the former law which was given by Moses was to cease. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/9 that the former law.htm
The Jews violate the Eternal Law, and Interpret Ill that of Moses.
... Chapter XII."The Jews violate the eternal law, and interpret ill that of Moses. ... Behold,
I have given Him for a witness to the people: nations which ...
/.../chapter xii the jews violate the.htm
The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... By the Law, I understand not only the Ten Commandments ... to the Hebrews, great weight
is justly given to the passage in which God says to Moses, "Look that ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm
Against the Jews on the Question of the Sabbath.
... For when [2645] the law did not exist and there was no divinely-inspired Scripture ...
But when the divinely-inspired Scripture was given by Moses, the Sabbath ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xxiii against the jews on.htm
Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews
... instead. 9. That the former law which was given by Moses was to
cease. 10. That a new law was to be given. 11. That ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/
Jesus in the Temple.
... the Jews of not "willing to do the will of God." The law of Moses was recognized
by ... This answer is not given by "the Jews," of whom the Savior's words were ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus in the temple.htm
Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... 4:2); thus intimating, that though the Law had the ... a slight foretaste; to us is given
a fuller ... Saviour, accordingly, while he declares that Moses testified of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm
And at that Time the Feast of Tabernacles of the Jews Drew Near. . ...
... [1959] Moses hath given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but it ... if
a man is circumcised on the sabbath day, that the law of Moses ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxviii and at that.htm
Refutation of the Jews
... But if the heathen are honoring the same God Who gave the law to Moses and the ... has
come, and that He has enlightened all men everywhere, and given them the ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm
Resources
What is the spirit of the law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is natural law? | GotQuestions.orgLaw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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