What Is The Law?

5. What Is The Law?
Many people have the mistaken idea that the Law of the Old Testament is only the Ten Commandments. The word "law" is used in reference to the entire Law, to distinguish it from the rest of the Old Testament. The Law included the moral laws, the civil laws, the ceremonial laws; and, was given only to the nation of Israel. I have talked to several rabbis, over the years. All agreed that there are approximately 720 laws, under the caption of "The Law."

Sometimes you will find the word "Law" is in reference to the Ten Commandments or the "Tables of Stone." This is made clear by the context. Outside of this, the word "Law" is all-inclusive of the moral, civil, and ceremonial laws of God, unless, otherwise specified. For example, in 1 Corinthians 9:9, where Paul quotes from the Old Testament Law, "For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn..." This appears nowhere in the Ten Commandments; but, is a civil law found in Deuteronomy 25:4; yet, specified as part of the law of Moses.

Unless a person keeps the whole Law, all 720, the Bible says they are "cursed." Paul makes this clear in writing to the Galatians...

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the CURSE: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." (Galatians 3:10). This is from Deuteronomy 27:26, which is part of the Law, itself.