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

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The Law of Moses, also known as the Torah, is foundational to the Jewish faith and encompasses the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is within these texts that God establishes His covenant with the Israelites, providing them with commandments and statutes to guide their lives. Central to the Law of Moses is the dual command to love and fear God, which serves as a cornerstone for the relationship between God and His people.

Love for God

The command to love God is explicitly stated in Deuteronomy 6:5: "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse, part of the Shema, is a daily declaration of faith for devout Jews and underscores the importance of a wholehearted devotion to God. The love for God is not merely an emotional affection but a commitment that encompasses every aspect of life, demanding obedience and loyalty.

The Law of Moses emphasizes that love for God is demonstrated through adherence to His commandments. In Deuteronomy 11:1, it is written, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments." This connection between love and obedience is a recurring theme, illustrating that true love for God is manifested in the faithful observance of His laws.

Fear of God

Alongside the command to love God, the Law of Moses instructs the Israelites to fear Him. This fear is not a paralyzing terror but a profound reverence and awe for the Almighty. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 encapsulates this dual command: "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?"

The fear of God is a recognition of His holiness, justice, and power, prompting the Israelites to live in a manner that honors Him. It serves as a deterrent against sin and a motivation for righteous living. In Leviticus 19:14, the Israelites are reminded, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." Here, the fear of God is linked to ethical behavior, ensuring that the Israelites treat others with justice and compassion.

Interconnectedness of Love and Fear

The Law of Moses presents love and fear of God as complementary rather than contradictory. Both are essential for a balanced and faithful relationship with God. Love motivates the Israelites to draw near to God, while fear instills a sense of respect and accountability. Together, they form the foundation of a life devoted to God, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:4: "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him."

In summary, the Law of Moses teaches the Jews to love and fear God as integral components of their covenant relationship. This dual command shapes their identity as God's chosen people, guiding their conduct and worship. Through love and fear, the Israelites are called to a life of obedience, reverence, and devotion to the one true God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 6:5
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 10:12,13
And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 22:36,38
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... they had the righteousness of the law in themselves. ... or for their punishment, as
Moses himself declared ... which might be rendered, "The Sabbaths taught that we ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... Next, this duty of reverently regarding past times was taught by such general
injunctions (more or less express) as ... Paul regards the law of Moses, and to ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... And her parents were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of
Moses." [4333] Moreover, in Daniel: "And we are lowly this day in ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

And at that Time the Feast of Tabernacles of the Jews Drew Near. . ...
... [1960] And if a man is circumcised on the sabbath day, that the law of Moses may
not be broken ... [1966] So Jesus lifted up his voice as he taught in the temple ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxviii and at that.htm

Pentecost
... and laws are excluded, even the laws of Moses. ... The Spirit-taught individual understands
the Scriptures better than does he who is occupied solely with the Law. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

Love in the Old Covenant.
... and in Exodus 23:3, 4, Israel was taught: "If thou ... And then He says, not, "Moses
gave you the old commandment ... can not be anything but a perfect law; and Jesus ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxix love in the old.htm

Heralds of the Gospel
... The deputy, convinced of the truth of the doctrine taught by the apostles, accepted ...
all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.". ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Whence it was said to them by Moses, "I will ... law, these, having not the law, are
a law unto themselves ... Therefore also wisdom, which has taught the truth, is the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix the connection of the.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... He received through Moses the law of God, which showed him ... and experience of holiness
are so plainly taught, and so ... there is no more need of the law either to ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

John Chapter vii. 40-53; viii. 11-Jan
... unto Him; and He sat down and taught them." And ... against Him who gave the law through
Moses; thou art ... law be fulfilled, but not by the transgressors of the law. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxiii john chapter vii.htm