The Law of Moses: Given: To the Jews
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Introduction

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 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 Foundation

The 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 Content

The 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 Elements

1. 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 Moses

Moses 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 Tradition

For 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 Testament

In 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).

Conclusion

The 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 26:46
These 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 Textbook

Psalm 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.org

What does it mean that Jesus fulfilled the law, but did not abolish it? | GotQuestions.org

What is natural law? | GotQuestions.org

Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Constitution: Agreement Between the Ruler and People

Law

Law Enforcement

Law in the New Testament

Law in the Old Testament

Law of Moses

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) in Synagogues

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Divine Authority For

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Engraved on Stone

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Epitomized by Jesus

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): from City to City

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Given at Sinai

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): On Door Posts

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Renewed by Moses

Law: Book of, Found by Hilkiah in the Temple

Law: Curses of, Responsively Read by Levites and People at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim

Law: Engraved Upon Monuments

Law: Expounded to the Assembled Nation at the Feast of Tabernacles in the Sabbatic Year

Law: Formed a Constitution on Which the Civil Government of the Israelites Was Founded

Law: Found by Hilkiah in the House of the Lord

Law: General Scriptures Concerning

Law: On Frontlets for the Forehead, and Parchment for the Hand

Law: Preserved in the Ark of the Covenant

Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught

Law: Prophecies In, of the Messiah

Law: Received by the Disposition of Angels

Law: Temporary

Law: The Priests and Levites

Law: was Given Because of Transgressions Until the Messiah Arrived

Litigation: To be Avoided

The Law of God is Absolute and Perpetual

The Law of God is the Rule of Life to Saints

The Law of God is the Rule of the Judgment

The Law of God: All Men Have Transgressed

The Law of God: Blessedness of Keeping

The Law of God: Christ: Came to Fulfil

The Law of God: Christ: Explained

The Law of God: Christ: Magnified

The Law of God: Conscience Testifies To

The Law of God: Designed to Lead to Christ

The Law of God: Established by Faith

The Law of God: Exceeding Broad

The Law of God: Given: Through Moses

The Law of God: Given: Through the Ministration of Angels

The Law of God: Given: To Adam

The Law of God: Given: To Noah

The Law of God: Given: To the Israelites

The Law of God: Gives the Knowledge of Sin

The Law of God: Holy, Just, and Good

The Law of God: It is Man's Duty to Keep

The Law of God: Love is the Fulfilling of

The Law of God: Man Cannot be Justified By

The Law of God: Man Cannot Render Perfect Obedience To

The Law of God: Man, by Nature, not in Subjection To

The Law of God: Not Grievous

The Law of God: Obedience to a Characteristic of Saints

The Law of God: Obedience to a Test of Love

The Law of God: Obedience To of Prime Importance

The Law of God: Perfect

The Law of God: Punishment for Disobeying

The Law of God: Pure

The Law of God: Requires Obedience of the Heart

The Law of God: Requires Perfect Obedience

The Law of God: Saints: Delight In

The Law of God: Saints: Freed from the Bondage of

The Law of God: Saints: Freed from the Curse of

The Law of God: Saints: Have, Written on Their Hearts

The Law of God: Saints: Keep

The Law of God: Saints: Lament Over the Violation of, by Others

The Law of God: Saints: Love

The Law of God: Saints: Pledge Themselves to Walk In

The Law of God: Saints: Pray for Power to Keep

The Law of God: Saints: Pray to Understand

The Law of God: Saints: Prepare Their Hearts to Seek

The Law of God: Saints: should Make the Subject of Their Conversation

The Law of God: Saints: should Remember

The Law of God: Sin is a Transgression of

The Law of God: Spiritual

The Law of God: The Love of, Produces Peace

The Law of God: The Wicked: Cast Away

The Law of God: The Wicked: Despise

The Law of God: The Wicked: Forget

The Law of God: The Wicked: Forsake

The Law of God: The Wicked: Refuse to Hear

The Law of God: The Wicked: Refuse to Walk In

The Law of God: To be Used Lawfully

The Law of God: Truth

The Law of God: Works Wrath

The Law of Moses is the Law of God

The Law of Moses was a Burdensome Yoke

The Law of Moses was not the Manifestation of the Grace of God

The Law of Moses: A Means of National Reformation

The Law of Moses: A Schoolmaster to Lead to Christ

The Law of Moses: A Shadow of Good Things to Come

The Law of Moses: Additions Made To, in the Plains of Moab by Jordan

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Know

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Lay Up, in Their Hearts

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Observe

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Remember

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Teach Their Children

The Law of Moses: Book of, Laid up in the Sanctuary

The Law of Moses: Called: A Fiery Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Book of Moses

The Law of Moses: Called: Book of the Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Lively Oracles

The Law of Moses: Called: Ministration of Condemnation

The Law of Moses: Called: Ministration of Death

The Law of Moses: Called: Royal Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Word Spoken by Angels

The Law of Moses: Christ: Abrogated, As a Covenant of Works

The Law of Moses: Christ: Attended all Feasts of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Bore the Curse of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Came not to Destroy But to Fulfil

The Law of Moses: Christ: Circumcised According To

The Law of Moses: Christ: Fulfilled all Precepts of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Fulfilled all Types and Shadows of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Made Under

The Law of Moses: Christ: Magnified and Made Honorable

The Law of Moses: Could not Disannul the Covenant of Grace Made in Christ

The Law of Moses: Could not Give Righteous and Life

The Law of Moses: Darkness at Giving of, Illustrative of Obscurity of

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: A Covenant of Works to the Jews As a Nation

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Ceremonial, Relating to Manner of Worshipping God

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Civil, Relating to Administration of Justice

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Moral, Embodied in the Ten Commandments

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

The Law of Moses: Given by Disposition of Angels

The Law of Moses: Given in the Desert

The Law of Moses: Given: After the Exodus

The Law of Moses: Given: At Horeb

The Law of Moses: Given: from the Mount Sinai

The Law of Moses: Given: Through Moses As Mediator

The Law of Moses: Given: To No Other Nation

The Law of Moses: Given: To the Jews

The Law of Moses: Good Kings Enforced

The Law of Moses: Jewish Converts Would Have all Christians Observe

The Law of Moses: Kings to Write and Study

The Law of Moses: None to Approach the Mount While God Gave

The Law of Moses: Priests and Levites to Teach

The Law of Moses: Public Instruction Given to Youth In

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read by Ezra

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read by Joshua

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read in the Synagogues Every Sabbath Day

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read: At the Feast of Tabernacles in the Sabbatical Year

The Law of Moses: Rehearsed by Moses

The Law of Moses: Remarkable Phenomena Connected With, at Giving of

The Law of Moses: Tables of, Laid up in the Ark

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: All Punishments Awarded According To

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: Strict Justice and Impartiality

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: To Love and Fear God

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: To Love Their Neighbour

The Law of Moses: Terror of Israel at Receiving

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Accused Christ of Breaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Accused Christians of Speaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Broke It Themselves

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Dishonoured God by Breaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: from Regard To, Rejected Christ

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Held Those Ignorant of, Accursed

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Jealous For

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Shall be Judged By

The Law of Moses: The Scribes Were Learned In, and Expounded

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Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

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Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

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Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Law of Moses: Given: To No Other Nation
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