The Law of Moses, also known as the Mosaic Law, is a central element of the Old Testament, encompassing the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This body of law is primarily found in the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch or the Torah. The rehearsal of the Law by Moses is a significant event that occurs primarily in the Book of Deuteronomy, where Moses reiterates and expounds upon the laws to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land.

Context and Purpose

The rehearsal of the Law by Moses takes place on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan. This moment is crucial because the generation that originally received the Law at Mount Sinai had perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith. Moses, aware of his impending death and the transition of leadership to Joshua, seeks to remind the people of their covenant with God and the importance of obedience to His commandments.

Content of the Rehearsal

1. Historical Review: Moses begins by recounting the history of Israel's journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. This review serves to remind the Israelites of God's faithfulness and the consequences of their ancestors' disobedience. In Deuteronomy 1:6-8, Moses recalls God's command to leave Horeb and take possession of the land promised to their forefathers.

2. Reiteration of the Ten Commandments: Central to the Law is the reiteration of the Ten Commandments, which Moses presents in Deuteronomy 5. These commandments form the moral foundation of the covenant and emphasize the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the sanctity of life, and the importance of truth and justice.

3. Exhortation to Obedience: Moses emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God's laws as a condition for receiving His blessings. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, known as the Shema, Moses instructs the Israelites to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to diligently teach these commandments to their children.

4. Covenant Renewal: The rehearsal includes a renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. Moses outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28. This section underscores the conditional nature of the covenant and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

5. Specific Laws and Regulations: Moses provides detailed laws covering various aspects of life, including civil, ceremonial, and moral regulations. These laws are designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation and to ensure justice and righteousness within the community.

6. Prophetic Warnings and Promises: Moses warns of the consequences of turning away from God, including exile and destruction. However, he also offers hope, promising that God will restore His people if they repent and return to Him (Deuteronomy 30:1-10).

Significance

The rehearsal of the Law by Moses serves as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the continuity of God's promises and the enduring relevance of His commandments. Moses' exhortations and warnings are intended to prepare the Israelites for life in the Promised Land, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's will.Deuteronomy 1:1-3
These be the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What did Moses Write?
... several times as having written certain historical records and certain words of
the law. In Exodus 24. we are told that Moses not only rehearsed to the people ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm

Christian Doctrine of God and his Law.
... and strange miracles by the hand of Moses, delivered them ... Of this great and wonderful
law, which tends to all ... ten heads are such as we have already rehearsed. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter ix christian doctrine of god.htm

Again on the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. , Where Jesus Showed ...
... The Law is represented in Moses, the Prophets in Elias; to speak briefly. For there
are the mercies of God vouchsafed through a holy Martyr to be rehearsed. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxix again on the.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... ie, for frequent sacrifices; observe, nevertheless, the law as to ... and appointed the
place of which Moses had spoken ... the spot where Abraham had rehearsed in type ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... by speaking and many ceremonies as be rehearsed in the ... And ere Moses received them
written, he went up into the ... ceremonies which now be not had in the new law. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... and "having gathered the Church together, rehearsed all that ... ye be circumcised after
the manner of Moses, ye cannot ... and to command them to keep the law of Moses ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Questions.
... 16. What had been the promise of Moses?"Lev. xxvi.44. ... 2. What were the ceremonies
of the Law?"Hebrews 10:1. ... Why was not the Creed commonly rehearsed? 49. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Acts II
... us a list of the eleven apostles, and the appointment of the twelfth; rehearsed
briefly their ... It was celebrated, according to the law of Moses, by offering ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

The National Preacher.
... As, therefore, Moses lifted up the serpent in the ... from abrogating, the Gospel exalts
and honours the law. ... which fill heaven with ecstasy, rehearsed to vacant ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... Bethesda, pool of, the Jews, five porches, the Law (five books of Moses), the troubling
of, Christ's Passion, descending of one to, typical of unity, [562]475 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

What should Christians learn from the Mosaic Law? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the ceremonial law, the moral law, and the judicial law in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What was the purpose of the Levitical Law? | GotQuestions.org

Law: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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