Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: The Jews: Jealous For

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Torah, comprises the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is the foundational legal and ethical code given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The Law encompasses commandments, statutes, and ordinances that govern religious, moral, and social life. The Jews have historically been known for their zealous adherence to the Law, viewing it as a divine covenant and a source of identity and blessing.

Zeal for the Law

The Jewish people have demonstrated a profound zeal for the Law of Moses throughout their history. This zeal is rooted in their understanding of the Law as a direct revelation from God, intended to set them apart as His chosen people. The Law is seen not merely as a set of rules but as a comprehensive guide to living a life pleasing to God. This fervor is evident in various biblical accounts and historical records.

In the Old Testament, the zeal for the Law is exemplified by figures such as Phinehas, who acted decisively to uphold God's commandments (Numbers 25:6-13). His actions were commended by God, who said, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My sake among them" (Numbers 25:11).

The Role of the Law in Jewish Life

The Law of Moses is central to Jewish religious practice and identity. It encompasses various aspects of life, including worship, dietary laws, civil justice, and personal conduct. The Shema, a declaration of faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, underscores the importance of the Law in daily life: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). This passage emphasizes the devotion and commitment expected of the Israelites in their observance of the Law.

Historical Context and Observance

Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced numerous challenges in maintaining their adherence to the Law. During the Babylonian exile, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent diaspora, the Law served as a unifying force, preserving Jewish identity and faith. The establishment of synagogues and the role of rabbis became crucial in teaching and interpreting the Law, ensuring its continued observance.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul acknowledges the Jewish zeal for the Law, even as he addresses the limitations of the Law in achieving righteousness apart from faith in Christ. In Romans 10:2, Paul writes, "For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge" . This highlights the fervent commitment of the Jewish people to the Law, even as the early Christian message sought to expand the understanding of righteousness through faith.

The Law and Jewish Identity

The Law of Moses remains a cornerstone of Jewish identity and religious practice. It is recited, studied, and revered in Jewish communities worldwide. The annual cycle of Torah readings, known as the Parashat HaShavua, ensures that the entire Law is read and reflected upon each year. Festivals such as Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot are deeply rooted in the commandments and narratives of the Law, reinforcing its significance in Jewish life.

The Jewish zeal for the Law of Moses is a testament to their enduring commitment to the covenant established with God. This zeal has shaped their history, culture, and faith, serving as a guiding light through centuries of trials and triumphs.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 9:28,29
Then they reviled him, and said, You are his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:20
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pentecost
... 3. The occasion of the Jews' observance was the giving ... works and laws are excluded,
even the laws of Moses. ... than does he who is occupied solely with the Law. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen ...
... together with Christ, they show how falsely the Jews "accused Him of transgressing
the Law, and of ... dead and the living; by bringing with Him Moses who had ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the witnesses of the.htm

Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
... Paul regards the law of Moses, and to ... Doubtless we are far above the Jews in our
privileges; we are favoured with the news of redemption; we know doctrines ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xviii stedfastness in the.htm

John vii. 9, 10
... As then when the Jews said, "This man is not ... not lawgivers are beyond measure jealous
for the Law, and defend ... Yet Moses, who ordereth that the Law be broken by ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlix john vii 9.htm

National Wealth
... Why should not the Jews have gone on worshipping one God ... the Red Sea, and the giving
of the law to Moses ... Moses knew human nature; and he knew that if men forgot ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xvi national wealth.htm

Acts ii. 1, 2
... when those were confessing"men that were Jews, that were ... of a slow tongue." (Exodus
4:10.) For Moses had taught ... or else, the doctrines of the Law had become ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv acts ii 1.htm

Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. )
... concerning him might be known to those Jews, who, though ... were jealous for the honour
of the law, and would ... institutions which had been given by Moses to their ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxii a d 405.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... The light, moreover, which was contained in the law of Moses, but which ... but believing
them to be the (words) of the Demiurge, whom the Jews worship, they ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... The form at present in use among the Jews sets forth, that the bridegroom weds
his bride "according to the law of Moses and of Israel"; that he ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

The Son and the Angels.
... Stephen reproaches the Jews, who had received the Law as the ordinances of angels ...
of God did not deserve sorer punishment than despising the law of Moses. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ii the son and.htm