3 Steps to Simplify OT Law
Opening to one of the first five books of the Bible is daunting. Reading through laws and regulations is a unique experience that evokes its own brand of unease. I know that many of you encounter discomfort because you may not understand the historical context very well. Or you likely find immense displeasure that the Bible includes laws for certain challenging topics (such a slavery). And of course, there is the general sense of bordem that comes with reading law codes. It is easy to have a sense of disconnect when you begin to read this portion of your Bible. But understanding the law is critical to grasping the narrative of scripture.
The foundation of Jesus' ministry is the law, the Word of the Father. Jesus frequently references Deuteronomy and other books of the law in His teachings, highlighting their importance; in fact, Deuteronomy is one of the most quoted books by Jesus! This emphasis is further demonstrated in Luke 24, when after the resurrection, Jesus teaches two disciples on the road to Emmaus how every aspect of the Law of Moses (the first 5 books of the Bible), the Prophets (including historical texts) and the Psalms (the wisdom books) point to Him. To deeply understand Jesus you must have a foundation of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament’s historical books recount the stories of those who largely disregard the law. Wisdom literature focuses on the values and behaviors of those who faithfully follow and uphold the law. The prophets pronounce judgment on the nations that have forsaken the law.
Understanding the Old Testament hinges upon your understanding of the law. You simply cannot ignore the law.
Although it may seem overwhelming, I assure that it is not. Old Testament Scholar, Christopher J.H. Wright offers a helpful guide to understanding Biblical law in his book Old Testament Ethics for the People of God. I have adapted and simplified his process to help you as you approach these passages of scripture on your own. You do not need to be an expert in Biblical studies with unfettered access to academic sources in order to grasp the meanings of these texts and their significance to your faith in Jesus. The Bible was meant to be read by you. You are capable of understanding its teachings.
I suggest choosing a particular law or set of laws that may have posed challenges or confusion for you. Utilize these steps as a guide to walk through those laws and gain a better understanding of their purpose. Don't expect this to be a quick exercise, just because it consists of three steps. Allow yourself time to carefully examine, reflect, and pray throughout the entire process.
Learn the Historical Context The laws given to the Israelites were specific to their historical context and addressed common issues in the ancient world. It's important to remember that just because God provided a law for living in that culture, it doesn't mean He was condoning or endorsing the culture itself. Instead, He was guiding Israel on how to stand out from the surrounding nations within the same cultural context. Understanding this context is crucial. Using a reliable study Bible and reference materials can provide a better understanding of daily life in ancient times. Take note of the prevailing culture at the time.
Identify the Objective Never read a law or set of laws in isolation of the rest of scripture. Look for other passages in the Bible that touch on this same topic. Use scripture references in the margins or index of your Bible to locate these passages and gain a comprehensive overview on the Bible’s teaching of this law. Note how Israel’s laws distinguished them from the surrounding nations. This will assist you in understanding the purpose or objective of the law within its specific context. Remember that these laws were meant to guide people towards God, so they reveal something about His character and His expectations for Israel.
Adapt the Context Once the objective of the law is clear, consider how it applies to your present circumstances. While some laws may be very straightforward, such as “You shall not murder,” others may require deeper reflection for modern application, like “Do not cook a goat in its mothers milk.”
For more resources on reading the Bible, explore my posts “How to Approach the Old Testament” for guidance on understanding the foundational books of scripture, and “From the Torah to Today: Biblical Slavery Laws” for an example of reading and applying difficult laws. These posts offer practical steps and additional perspectives to support your study of the Old Testament.
Reflection Questions
Are there specific Old Testament laws that you have found challenging to understand?
What have been your initial thoughts or beliefs regarding these laws?
How do you view the relevance of Old Testament laws in your present day life, despite the vast differences in cultural context?
References:
Old Testament Ethics for the People of God by Christopher J.H. Wright
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