As more and more Christians become exposed to God’s Word which contains His Commandments/Law, and the fact that it can never be done away or abolished, some believers have resorted to explain their beliefs by compartmentalizing the 10 Commandments and rest of the Law as separate entities. The question is whether the usual reference of God’s Law, only consists of the Ten Commandments given on tablets of Stone, and whether it is different and separate to the Law of Moses (Law given through Moses), or whether all of it is one. The objective of this post is to search whether they are separate or one, by examining how it is referred to in Scripture. We will inspect both the Old Testament and the New Testament to see whether there is proof to say that the Law of Moses is called the Law of God, by its many writers – or whether they are referred to being separate Laws.
To anyone who is not familiar with the details, when God made the Covenant with the children of Israel at Sinai, He handed two tablets of stone with the ten Commandments written with the finger of God to Moses and asked him to record all the statutes and judgments which went with it in a Book. Some assume that God’s Word is only the two tablets of stone, which will last forever – while the rest of the Law which was written on a book, called the Law of Moses, has been done away. While many scriptures and theories are put forward to differentiate the two, I believe there is a lack of looking at the plethora of verses that explain them to be one and the same.
What is the Covenant?
According to the verse below, it is very clear that the Covenant made with the Children of Israel was the 10 Commandments written on the two tablets of stone.
Exo 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Deu 4:13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.
2Ch 6:11 And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, that he made with the children of Israel.
Who made the covenant with the Children of Israel?
Everyone agrees that the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth made this covenant directly with the children of Israel.
Deu 5:2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
Deu 4:23 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
The Tables of the Covenant
The two tables given to Moses by God contained the 10 commandments which were spoken at Horeb and written with the finger of God and brought down by Moses. These were called the “Tables of the Covenant”, as they were two tablets that contained the conditions the Covenant was based on.
Deu 9:9-11 When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.
Heb 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
Note: The “Ten Commandments” as we call it, appear in 3 places, namely Exo 34:28, Deut 4:13, Deut 10:4 and is better phrased as the “Ten words” or “Ten matters” as the Hebrew word used in the Original manuscripts is “dabar” which means “saying”/”matter”/”word” – (H1697 – דּבר – dâbâr – Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Definition: 1) speech, word, speaking, thing / 1a) speech / 1b) saying, utterance / 1c) word, words / 1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner). The Hebrew word translated as Commandment elsewhere in our English translations is “Mitsvah”(H4687).
What is the Law of Moses?
The Law of Moses or the Law that was communicated through Moses contained “Statutes”, “Judgements” and “Commandments”. The word translated as Law in our English Translations is “Torah” in Hebrew and means “Direction”/”Instruction” (H8451 – Torah). The easiest way to understand the connection between The “Ten Commandments” and “Torah”(Law of Moses), is to look at The Ten Commandments as God’s Constitution for Israel, while the “Torah” is the “Common Law” or the Law of the Land that governs Israel. The “Common Law”(Torah aka Law of Moses) explained how the Children of Israel should live, worship and obey God, so that they would not be breaking the “Constitution”(Ten Commandments) on which it was built. Similar to the body of Law in countries of the present world, “Torah” contains judgements, statutes and commandments. One who broke the Torah was breaking the Ten commandments which it was based on – they were breaking God’s Covenant.
1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
Deu 8:11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Deu 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Lev 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
Who gave the Law of Moses(Torah) to the Children of Israel?
Some mistakenly believe that the Law of Moses was created by Moses. But the Scriptures are clear that it was directly handed over to Moses by God – which was then written down by Moses and communicated to the Children of Israel.
Exo 34:27,32 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments…. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
Mal 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
Dan 9:10-13 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.
Neh 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
Neh 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
Neh 8:13-14 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law. And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:
Ezr 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
2Ch 33:8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.
2Ki 14:6 But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.
1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:
Num 31:21 And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;
Why was it given through Moses?
The fact that it is called the Law of Moses has made people belittle the “Torah”. But the fact remains that God only communicated His Statutes, Judgements and commandments through Moses because of the plea of the people that Moses ascend the mountain and bring the Law to them. He would have spoken the whole “Torah” from the mountain top if not for the dread that had taken hold of the Children of Israel. God in fact was pleased that they were afraid, saying “if only they had such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always”.
Deu 5:24-31 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! Go say to them, Get you into your tents again. But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.
Exo 20:18-22 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Law of Moses is called the Law of God
Neh 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Neh 8:18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
Neh 9:3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
2Ch 17:9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
Neh 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
Ezr 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
2Ch 31:3 He appointed also the king’s portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.
1Ch 22:12,13 Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
1Ch 16:40 To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;
Deu 30:8-10 And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
Jos 24:26 And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.
Law of Moses is called the Book of the Covenant
Exo 24:7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
2Ki 23:2 And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.
2Ki 23:21 And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant.
2Ch 34:31 And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.
Two Laws or One?
To any who believe that the Law of Moses is not the Law of God, there is even more evidence even in the New Testament writings making it absolutely certain that they are in fact the same.
Luk 2:22-24,39 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons…. And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
The Royal Law
One other interesting points to highlight is the “Royal Law” or the essence of God’s Commandments – the essence of the Covenant. Many know that “Loving God” & “Loving our Neighbor” is the Royal Law, but do not know that it is written in the Law of Moses(Lev 19:18, Deut 6:5). These were quoted word for word by Christ Himself in Mar 12:29-31 and was said to be the two greatest Commandments which the rest hanged on(Mat 22:40).
Mat 22:36-39 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Mar 12:28-31 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Luk 10:25-28 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
Deu 6:4,5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Lev 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
So, if the Royal Law is part of the Law of Moses, how can it be from a different source or inferior to the Ten Commandments? This is solid proof that both the Law given by Moses and the Ten Commands were all from the same Author – the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Why was the Tables of the Covenant kept inside the Ark while the Book of the Covenant kept on the side?
Some resort to point at the placement of the two documents to signify a difference of importance saying that the Ten Commandments were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant as it was the Law of God, while the Book of Law (Law of Moses) was kept on a side of the Ark – showing it was not that significant. So why was the Book kept outside while the Tables were kept inside?
Exo 40:20 And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark:
Deu 31:25,26 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
It must be pointed out that what was contained on the Tables of the Covenant was also written down on the Book of the Covenant. And there are several reasons why the book was kept outside the Ark which was never opened after Moses put the Tables of the Covenant, the manna and Aaron’s Rod into the Ark.
Reason 01 – The Levites were asked to teach the people using the Book
Deu 31:10-12 And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:
Reason 02 – The King had to make a copy for himself using the Book
Deu 17:18,19 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Reason 03 – Levites traveled the land teaching from the Book
2Ch 17:8,9 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
Conclusion
It must be pointed out that the Book of the Covenant cannot be separated from the Tables of the Covenant. While the Tables are meant to be an eternal Testimony, the Book is used to teach the statutes, Judgments and Commandments of the Covenant to the people in Covenant with God Almighty. Even though the Book is known as the Law of Moses, it was given directly by God, as was the understanding of authors such as Luke, who calls the Law of Moses – the Law of the Lord, as well as multiple instances in the Scriptures as shown above. As children in Covenant with Him, let us read and understand his “Torah” (Instructions) and the statutes, Judgments and Commandments written in it so that we can obey His Covenant that He may see us as a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Bible things in Bible ways 
Can I copy to share this wonderfully, true teaching?
Yes Sure Wendy!
Be a blessing to everyone around you
Quote 1 ‘…His Commandments/Law, and the fact that it can never be done away or abolished… ‘
Quote 2 ‘… let us read and understand his “Torah” (Instructions) and the statutes, Judgments and Commandments written in it so that we can obey His Covenant that He may see us as a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’
So what you are saying is:
a) Christians today should be performing sacrifice just as directed in the ‘Law of Moses’.
b) menstruating women are ‘unclean’ and should be banished for 7 days
c) annually Christians should be performing the rituals of Yom Kippur
d) and the myriad of other things dictated in the ‘Law of Moses’
Most strange.
Dear Harry,
I understand your skepticism. I was like you, because no one had taught me about the Law of God, and personally I had no interest and did not no why I should be bothered… I was always taught that the Old Testament Laws were done away in Christ… so I saw no point.
But when I started studying I understood bit by bit, how things fitted in. On your very much valid questions:-
a) Sacrifices cannot be done in any other place other that in the Temple built in Jerusalem. (Deut 12:5,6 ; Eze 20:40) We cannot do our own sacrifices in our backyards or our churches. This is a common misconception among Christians. The Temple in Jerusalem which was built by Ezra/Nehemiah was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD and is not standing at the moment. So these laws of Sacrifices are not applicable at the moment.
b) Menstruating women are not “banished” (which might be a bit of a harsh word to use). They were separated when they were having their period. Sexual relations are prohibited at this time. The state of “uncleanness” in almost all cases ended with a sacrifice being brought to the Temple. When there is no temple, the state of purity that God specified cannot be reached, and hence we are all in a state of physical uncleanness.
c) Again, Sacrifices cannot be done because the Temple is not standing. Today, we can keep the “Feast days of God” as a remembrance, but cannot do everything specified according to His Law.
d) There are many Laws given by God through Moses. Some are for Priests. Some for Levites. Some for Farmers. Some for Servants. Some for women. Etc. A Law that is specified for one set of people cannot be applied for everyone. Some Laws require the Temple to be standing for it to be in effect (such as sacrifices). Some laws are for everyone(such as the food laws). The easiest way to understand it, is to compare it to a body of Law that governs a country. for instance, a driver cannot drive when he/she is drunk. but a pedestrian can walk on the road even though he/she is drunk. Just because drinking is prohibited for drivers, we cannot assume that it applies to everyone.
Most Christians jump to the conclusion that God’s Law is done away in Christ because of a variety of reasons. My humble request to you, is for you to study the Old Testament thoroughly. Even after studying it, if you still feel it is “strange”.. so be it. But don’t make your decisions based on what others have taught you. The majority may not be always right. Be critical of everything and study the Scriptures without preconceived notions with the help of His Holy Spirit! May He lead you to the Truth.
Be a blessing to everyone around you!
Daniel 9:27 New King James Version (NKJV)
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.”
Daniel 9:27 was one of the two major changes to take place; the doing away with sacrifices. The second major change was Christ becoming our high priest this you will find in Hebrews particularly chapter 10. No more need for sacrifices and offerings.
What many people do not see is there are four groups… Moral Law, Statutes, Judgments, and sacrificial system. These were given apparently in the beginning when Adam sinned as it was shown in the bible that Abraham kept them before Sinai. I see these like I would the constitution with the laws and statutes governing it along with the judgments as to the consequences. When I took the time to really study Gods commandments, statutes and judgments I realized just how fair and just God is. His system of government here on earth for us in a sinful world cannot be matched by any other system.
Also, when you look at the feast with their holy days it is a map of events taking place in history of past and future events:
1: Spring Feast (Passover, Unleavened, First Fruits, and Pentecost) – Completed
2: Fall Feast – Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles – Pending
By the way when I took the time to study it out and think about it, Moses gave no laws. He only wrote down these statutes etc that God gave him.
I used to be one of those who thought the commandments were done away with but over the years of reading the bible I came to believe different.
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Hello Ramesh. We love your article ‘The Law of God & Law of Moses – 2 Laws or 1?’ You will probably be aware that because the Ten Commandments were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant and the Law of Moses was kept on a side of the Ark, there is a teaching that states that because of the death and resurrection of Yeshua we no longer have to keep the Law of Moses with its food laws, etc. because this Law only came into existence because of the sin of the golden calf.
Although you explain and confirm the existence of the two Laws and the difference between them, your article does not address the issue of whether anything changed because of Yeshua’s death and resurrection. Do you have any thoughts or articles on this that could confirm the need to continue to observe the Law of Moses? It would really be very helpful.
Dear David & Catherine,
My belief is that God’s Word has and never will change till the heaven and earth passes away. I have several posts on the law. Please see links below:
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2015/12/26/was-gods-law-blotted-out-and-nailed-to-the-cross-misunderstandings-regarding-col-211-17/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2015/08/01/paul-falsely-accused-of-breaking-gods-law/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2014/12/28/should-we-stone-sinners-if-we-obey-gods-law/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2014/04/26/is-gods-law-a-curse/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/is-it-law-vs-grace-and-faith-vs-works/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/defining-the-terms-sin-law-grace/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/law-is-hitting-the-mark-while-sin-is-missing-the-mark-insights-from-hebrew/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/does-the-old-testament-teach-us-to-love-our-enemies-or-hate-them/
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/gentiles-have-to-obey-only-4-commandments-misunderstandings-regarding-acts-15/
Love & Shalom to you and your family,
May you be a blessing to everyone around you.
18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;
20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.
21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.
Should this be held as a law?
Dear Carl,
I believe that God’s Law has not been abolished. So even though this sounds like a very harsh law… it cannot be removed from His Word. That being said… we must see the requirements and reasons for the particular law to be carried out. (It’s not that a child would be just brought and be stoned at the whims of the parents). This is not a young child but an adult who is rebellious and will not live according to God’s Law delivered by the parents. They bring the man to the elders for a trial… where if found guilty and if the person still does not repent and agree to obey his parents… then the maximum penalty maybe death. (The issue is that we see God’s Law as an archaic law which is brutal). Obviously no parent would want their child to come to such a trial unless there was a reason which could not be ignored.
Additionally, I would also like to point out that this law is connected to the 5th Command. (it is an extension of the command). And even Christ says “Mar 7:9-13 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
Whoever curses their parents also is liable to receive the death penalty. Christ does not say that this has changed. In fact He is comparing The Law of God which is in effect… to the man-made traditions of the pharisees (such as “corban” & washing of hands).
So in conclusion, it should be held as Law, but I don’t think it can be applied to today, as we do not live under the rule of God as King, where His Law is the Law of the land. We are under the Law of each of our countries, and would be so – till He comes back. And when He does come back, I believe this Law will be in effect.
Be a blessing to everyone around you!
Do you have a list of laws from the laws of Moses that are not applied today? If you hold that the Law’s of Moses are still intact unchanging and still binding on Jews and Gentiles alike how can you conscientiously lay aside any one of them and hold to others and not violate your conscientious? What do you do with the whole book of Hebrews (where the word Gentile is never mentioned) especially chapters 8 and 9 if you hold that there has been no change in regards to the laws of Moses from the OT to the NT?
Dear Carl,
It is quite simple. When God instituted His Law over His people, it was His rule. for example when they were in Exile in Babylon, they could not carry out Law that supersedes the Law of the foreign land. When they were under Roman rule, there were some rights allowed, but capital punishment was not one of them – thus the reason for them to take Yeshua to Pilate. Today, we who come under God’s authority, has to obey God’s Law – but we cannot enact most of it as there are prevailing laws of the lands which we are under.
Laws that pertain to the individual can be kept even today as long as you are not breaking the law of your own land. For example, we may not be able to take a rebellious son to trial, but we can refrain from the foods that God deemed unclean.
On the book of Hebrews… I will point you to the following link which addresses the full letter to the Hebrews:
https://biblethingsinbibleways.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/old-covenant-abolished-by-new-covenant-part-ii-does-the-book-of-hebrews-prove-that-the-old-covenant-is-no-more/
Be a blessing to everyone around you!
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In passing, Paul makes a very profound observation:
CSB Romans 3:19
Now we know that **whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are subject to the law,[fn]** so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God’s judgment.[fn]
The laws of Spain and Venezuela do not apply to me or to you. So what does Paul say the law is saying to those under it?:
CSB Romans 3:
10 as it is written:
There is no one righteous, not even one.
11 There is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away;
all alike have become worthless.
There is no one who does what is good,
not even one.
13 Their throat is an open grave;
they deceive with their tongues.
Vipers’ venom is under their lips.
14 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and wretchedness are in their paths,
17 and the path of peace they have not known.
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Paul is saying that these words applied to those who were under the law, to shut their mouths.
This is why the commands begin with “Hear oh Israel, the LORD they God…”. The Jews had to enter into the covenant by splashing themselves with blood.
Paul says that if a person is circumcised to enter into that covenant afresh and become subject to the law they will, of necessity incur the wrath for failing to fulfill the terms of that covenant:
ESV Galatians 5:
1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to **every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified[fn] by the law; you have fallen away from grace.** 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
I do agree that if you don’t become a part of God’s People, the Commandments laid out for His people are not valid for us. This is why I consider myself a part of His People. A part of His Covenants.
On Galatians, I think we must see the context of this Letter. Some had convinced the Galatians that without Circumcision there is no salvation. That they had to be Circumcised to be saved. All of Paul’s words revolve on this question.
Be a blessing to everyone around you!
Excellant teaching. Ive had adventist say we keep sabbath, but not the feast days. Sabbath is the first feadt listed with many. Without one, they all fall.
Get out of these false churches. Ive spent 8 years studying outside of so called church. False teachers.
Thank you
have you studied the sanctuary and all its shadows? The seventh day sabbath and the feasts are MUCH different. the sabbath was followed even before Mt Sinai . Read exodus chapter 16. . Please ask yourself? Have you studied this with all your heart , to know truth ? or do you want to keep your preconceived ideas in order to live life the way you want and not Gods, only deceiving yourself ? Something have all been guilty of . Search your heart . Christ is returning very soon.. when all are forced to worship on Sunday, and those who don’t cannot buy or sell, I pray you see that the mark of the beast is upon us. not much longer now. Satan is working very hard. But God is stronger. He loves you and wants to spend time with you each day and each sabbath. It’s the most blessed time of the week for those who love God and the sabbath will be kept in all eternity (Isaiah 66:22-23) . God will not force those who do not want to be there. My prayers are going out to you Becky, May we all meet in heaven and keep the sabbath together for eternity !
Dear Alyce,
Have you ever wondered why Christ died on Passover, Rose on Firstfruits and sent His Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? All of which were feast days mentioned in Leviticus 23. He is said to be returning with the sound of Trumpets, to Judge and establish His kingdom again. All 3 events which are connected to the Fall Feast days of Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles. The Sabbath is mentioned as the First Appointed time in Lev 23 preceded by the rest. Maybe you should let go of Doctrines set forth by men and your preconceived notions so that you can look at the whole Word of God rather than saying part of it does not apply for our days. The Sabbath is important as are all of His commands.
Be a blessing to everyone around you
Shalom
Reblogged this on b'Shem Yeshua בשמ ישוא.
They are very much separate. 2 laws.. one was fulfilled by Christ (law of Moses which were the sanctuary services ) and those statues are no longer needed (fulfilled by Christ) because it’s all done in the heavenly sanctuary now, where Christ is as spoken about in Hebrews and even in revelation. The law of God or the table of stones are those that are never done away with and point out sin, the law of God was known even before the mount Sinai . (exodus 16:23-30) 2 laws .. very important to know for our salvation, for if there are no commandments, there is no way to point out sin and show us our need of Jesus our Savior. There is not point of confession because people claim it was “done away with at the cross” . If the law can be so easily done away with, Jesus would not have had to die, the law just would have been done away with… and Christ would not have had to suffer death.. the death of Christ should so easily show how eternal the law of God is, because God, instead of throwing out the law, painfully allowed His Son to suffer such a death. This teaching is why our world is in such turmoil and why Christians are only “luke warm”. All the the verses that were shown actually said complete opposite of what you were teaching . It’s very sad that this being taught ! Please do not be among those who cry out “Lord, Lord! “ at His return… those people He does not know are those who practice “lawlessness”! Very bold statement and no way can you say the law is done away with… you’re teaching lawlessness , you also cannot say the law has not been abolished but does not apply to us… the law is to be “written in our Hearts” Christ kept the law and He is our example in ALL THINGS.. to do anything opposite of Christ would show He is not dwelling in your heart, not Lord of your life..… I pray For the writer of this page and for all who read , that they may not be deceived 😦 .
I am both amazed and saddened by this comment as it clearly shows that not enough attention was put into reading the study before commenting on it. The conclusion of the study was that we need to obey His commands rather than separate the 10 commands from the rest of the instructions God gave to His people. You are surely zealous about God and His Word. Wish you had paid a little more attention to what was being discussed.
Be a blessing to everyone around you
Shalom
You really should have read the article to avoid making false accusations – there is no mention of the law being done away with but rather a revealing of how God’s Law and Moses’ Law are one and the same. They are not separate as some (one that I know of) churches teach.
I wonder how you interpret this passage?
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 2 Corinthians 3:7-8
“Ministry of death, written and engraved on stones”. This passage obviously involves the stone tablets with the 10 Words. Uh oh.
As for what was “before Sinai”…. The Sabbath and the food laws were before Sinai. Circumcision was before Sinai. Giving a tenth was before Sinai (but a tenth of what?). Priests were before Sinai (not Levitical). Passover and Unleavened Bread were before Sinai. Animal sacrifice was before Sinai. Blood covenants were before Sinai. Transgression worthy of the punishment of death was before Sinai (Sodom/Gomorrah). God’s commandments, statutes, and laws (the torah) were before Sinai (Gen 26:5). Salvation by faith was before Sinai. The double portion to the true firstborn was before Sinai. The marrying of a brother’s wife, if the brother died childless, was before Sinai. I am sure if we took the time to dig through the book of Genesis we would find plenty more that was before Sinai. The “before Sinai” argument against the validity of torah is like a house of cards – it cannot stand – because, technically, the two tablets of stone were not given until Sinai either.
The 10 Commandments/Words are a table of contents. The Torah is the book which holds all the information that the table of contents refers to. It is entirely about how to love and worship God and how to love and care for your fellow man. It is all about the heart and character of God which does not change.
What the Author, Ramesh, wrote, his responding comments, and what you have said is so good and Biblically based. I saw a few things of the law kept before it was ever given at Sinai and wondered about that, but did not realize that there were so many more! Again, I am another believer who was taught solid ‘Biblical’ theology only to be faced with big questions once I really started reading the word of Yehovah without all the interpretations commonly attached to it. Thanks so much for encouraging us toward the whole truth!
It must be pointed out that what was contained on the Tables of the Covenant was also written down on the Book of the Covenant. And there are several reasons why the book was kept outside the Ark which was never opened after Moses put the Tables of the Covenant, the manna and Aaron’s Rod into the Ark.
Are there scriptures showing this ?
Dear Michael,
I must mention since this article was written, I have come to understand that the only thing that was contained in the Ark were the 2 tablets of Stone. I believe that what the author of Hebrews mentions is that the Ark was contained in the Holy of Holies where the rod and manna was kept, but it was not inside the Ark.
1Ki 8:9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
2Ch 5:10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
Num 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
Num 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
Num 20:9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.
Exo 16:33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
These verses point out that the rod and manna was kept before the Ark of testimony and that there was nothing other than the stone tablets inside the ark.
Be a blessing to everyone around you
Shalom!
It must be pointed out that what was contained on the Tables of the Covenant was also written down on the Book of the Covenant. And there are several reasons why the book was kept outside the Ark which was never opened after Moses put the Tables of the Covenant, the manna and Aaron’s Rod into the Ark.
Are there scriptures showing that the 10 Words were also in the book of the Covenant?
Dear Michael,
As the post shows, The Law of Moses is also called the Book of the covenant. The Law of Moses is what we call the first 5 books of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy). The Ten Words are mentioned in both Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Be a blessing to everyone around you
Shalom!
Than you…I thinks it’s important to understand also that on the 2 tables of stone, there was writing on both sides, front and back of both stones, and I believe the main points of the law of Moses was written on them