Editorial December 27, 1930 Issue

Certain Aspects of Law

Clifford P. Smith

As used in the Old Testament, the word "law" nearly always means direction or instruction. This is the primary and usual meaning of the Hebrew word torah, which is rendered as "law" in the Old Testament. Thus, the Ten Commandments are presented in the twentieth chapter of Exodus as directions or instructions from God delivered by Moses. So, also, is the civil and penal code in the next three Chapters of Exodus. All later declarations of law in the Old Testament are regarded as further directions or instructions from God communicated to and through inspired persons.

It is to be observed that the law in the Old Testament extended beyond what is now regarded as religious instruction into what is now regarded as the field of ordinary legislation. Another historical fact is that the instructions from God communicated through a comparatively few inspired persons were supplemented by a mass of priestly applications and commentaries which amounted to legalistic rules and were enforced as such. In the course of time, therefore, the sentiment of many Jews changed from that expressed in Psalms 119:97, "O how love I thy law," to that expressed by Peter in Acts 15:10 when he spoke of circumcision as "a yoke" "which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear."

In this situation, Christ Jesus distinguished between human and divine requirements, and he gave to the latter a more affirmative and vital meaning. (See Matt. 5:17-20, 43-48.) Further, he gave us a motive, in love for God and neighbor, that should impel us to go far beyond obedience to mere rules. (See Luke 17:7-10.) The law of Moses contemplated dutiful obedience to particular commandments. The law of Christ calls for loving and spontaneous response to every impulsion of divine Principle. Nevertheless, the Master could say and did say, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matt. 19:16-19).

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