Legislation
Summary
The body of laws given to Israel, primarily through Moses, establishing civil, moral, and ceremonial regulations.
☩Divine Origin
Israel's legislation came directly from God through Moses at Sinai. The Ten Commandments were written by God's own finger (Exodus 31:18), while the broader legislation was revealed to Moses during his forty days on the mountain. This divine origin distinguished Israel's law from that of surrounding nations, though similarities exist with other ancient Near Eastern codes.
☩Categories of Law
Israel's legislation is traditionally divided into moral (summarized in the Decalogue), ceremonial (regulating worship, sacrifices, and purity), and civil (governing social relationships and justice). The moral law reflects God's unchanging character. The ceremonial laws pointed forward to Christ and found fulfillment in Him. The civil laws established justice in Israel's theocratic society. The New Testament presents the moral law as binding while declaring ceremonial regulations fulfilled.
Related Verses6 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Legislation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Law," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).