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

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Torah, is the foundational legal and ethical code given to the Israelites. It encompasses commandments, statutes, and ordinances that were delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai and are recorded in the first five books of the Bible. The Law was central to Jewish identity and religious practice, serving as a covenant between God and His chosen people.

Ignorance of the Law and Its Consequences

In the Jewish tradition, the Law of Moses was not merely a set of guidelines but a divine mandate that required strict adherence. Ignorance of the Law was considered a serious matter, often equated with being accursed. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that the Law was a revelation from God, and to be ignorant of it was to be disconnected from the covenantal relationship with Him.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several instances where ignorance of the Law is associated with being accursed. In Hosea 4:6, the prophet declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children" . This passage underscores the dire consequences of neglecting the Law, equating ignorance with destruction and divine rejection.

In Deuteronomy 27:26, the seriousness of adhering to the Law is further emphasized: "Cursed is he who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out." The people were to affirm this by saying, "Amen" . This curse highlights the communal responsibility to know and uphold the Law, reinforcing the idea that ignorance was not an excuse but a condition that brought about a curse.

The Role of the Priests and Teachers

The Jewish community placed a significant emphasis on teaching the Law to prevent ignorance. Priests and Levites were tasked with instructing the people, ensuring that the Law was read and understood. Nehemiah 8:7-8 describes how the Levites "instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving insight so that the people could understand what was being read" . This passage illustrates the proactive measures taken to combat ignorance and the importance of understanding the Law.

Cultural and Religious Implications

For the Jewish people, the Law of Moses was not only a religious obligation but also a cultural identity marker. To be ignorant of the Law was to be alienated from the community and its covenantal blessings. The Law provided a framework for living that encompassed every aspect of life, from moral and ethical behavior to ceremonial practices. Ignorance of the Law meant a failure to participate fully in the life and faith of Israel.

Conclusion

The Jewish view of ignorance of the Law as accursed reflects the profound significance of the Law of Moses in their religious and cultural life. It was a divine gift that required diligent study and observance, and ignorance was seen as a breach of the covenant with God. The emphasis on teaching and understanding the Law underscores its central role in maintaining the identity and faithfulness of the Jewish people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 7:49
But this people who knows not the law are cursed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... They asked if he would go among the Jews who had ... he was the prophet spoken of by
Moses (Deuteronomy 18 ... But this multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxviii in the temple at.htm

The God of the Rain
... and that for the simple reason that the Jews, at the ... them of the living God of whom
Moses had preached ... said, 'This people, who knoweth not the law, is accursed ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xvii the god of.htm

Galatians Chapter iii.
... Lightfoot refers it to the persecutions endured by the Galatians from Jews citing
Galatians 5:11 ... This was not the effect of the law of Moses, however; on the ...
/.../galatians chapter iii.htm

Matt. xi. 1
... the three children, and many others too amongst the Jews, having shown ... in the law,
shall be judged by the law," [1551] speaking of all after Moses. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvi matt xi 1.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... Lord Himself gives the explanation of this: "As Moses lifted up ... which are to be found
in the law and the ... the promise is not only to the believing Jews, it is ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

John ix. 17, 18
... not, "We have heard that God spake to Moses," but, "We know." Do ye affirm, O Jews,
what ye ... instructest, Lord, and teachest him out of Thy Law." ( Psalm 94 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lviii john ix 17.htm

The Song of the Redeemed
... Not any " not all the bloody sacrifices appointed by the law of Moses, could take ...
had great grief and sorrow of heart for them, even for the Jews who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlviii the song of.htm

After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... For one oath [1612] entailed upon all the Jews the capture of their cities, as ... He
means the absence of interference, for it was against the law of Moses. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiv after the whole.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... This applies chiefly to the Jews who believe in Christ ... The same law which was given
by Moses becomes through ... of the same law, "Knowing this, that the law is not ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... The same law that was given by Moses became grace and ... other times He spoke openly
to the Jews, who in ... By the eternal law which requires the preservation of the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm