[We live in a troubled world where personal and group behaviors in our society prove we people have lost our moral bearings … it is a fact! It has been proven that the organizational structures and moral guidelines that we ourselves manufacture simply don't work. In our society, sex, violence and all manner of immorality abound. At the same time and in direct correlation to our immoral misguided ways … grief, heartache, depression, uncertainty, debt, struggle and unhappiness permeate our culture. Society has forfeited happiness and stability in exchange for the freedom to live as they wish … to live by the self-determined ways of the majority. Freedom from moral absolutes has led to the most dreadful form of slavery imaginable; slavery to the wants and desires of this world … slavery to the system of “this world”! We must face the truth that we are living under the control of a most dreadful delusion!
Most regrettably, in nearly all religious circles, there seems to be little difference between the behaviors of the world “out there” and the purported believing community. Divorce, child abuse, drugs, alcohol, debt, greed, materialism, sexual immorality and notable scandals plague our religious communities. It would seem that the delusion assuredly casts its permeating stench not just upon our secular institutions but over our religious institutions and communities as well.
In direct contrast to our culture's situational and so called evolutionary ethics and moral relativity stands the greatest moral code known to mankind; G_D’s Torah given to the Hebrews. It is the greatest and most comprehensive guide concerning human behavior. Its scope covers every issue of morality, ethics, economics and religious belief that could be pondered. The Torah leaves nothing out of its catalogue of prescriptions and principles. It covers issues from property rights to religious service, from sex to sanctity, from authority figures to truthfulness, from family to community. In its completeness as a moral code, it can never by design be approached or surpassed. And how could it be so given that the architect and author of Torah is G_D himself?
Moreover, the Torah comes with its own set of promises for the obedient … the seekers. Notice these words of THE LORD G_D given to Moses regarding human behavior and the Torah: “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love YHVH thy G_D (The Awesome Unified Almighty G_D), to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou may live and multiply. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.”] xvii
But what exactly is Torah? The Torah, according to some Jewish traditions, is technically the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, a.k.a. The Books of Moses! Contained within those books are a series of laws, commandments, precepts, and judgments. The whole body of those judgments combined together is often referred to as the Torah. Thus, the word Torah according to some Jewish traditions means both the first five books of the Bible and all of the commandments and statutes found in those five books. Perhaps the reader now understands a bit as to where the term Mosaic Law is derived.
It must be added that this is however a simplistic explanation and does not provide the reader with a real understanding of Torah within a mainstream Hebraic context. This simplistic explanation represents the limited understanding of the Greek culture … not the Hebrew culture. What is critical to understand is that Torah is the gift from G_D to the Hebrew people. A gift that would set them apart and enable them to become a light to all the nations of the Earth! This declaration is made in Deuteronomy: 4:2-10 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your G_D which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did in Baal-Peor; for all the men that followed the Baal of Peor, the LORD thy G_D has destroyed them from the midst of thee. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your G_D are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my G_D commanded me, that ye should do so in the midst of the land whither ye go in to possess it. Observe therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, that, when they hear all these statutes, shall say: ’Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there, that has G_D so nigh unto them, as the LORD our G_D is when so ever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children's children; the day that thou stood before the LORD thy G_D in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me: ’Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.’
So essentially the Torah, as can be readily discerned, is a key component to the everlasting and irrevocable covenant made between G_D and Israel. It would seem that the Torah is certainly meant for all peoples of the Earth but it assuredly would seem clear as well that the Torah is to come to the nations by way of Israel. It must also be understood that Israel did not determine the nature of the covenant; G_D did!
Because of the societal importance of Torah within Hebrew culture and because the Biblical account regarding much of these laws, commandments, precepts, and judgments is limited regarding broad application details, there was a natural development and promulgation of thought and tradition over time within Jewish culture wherein these laws, etc. were expounded upon and wrapped in acceptable societal conventions/traditions … as in the Talmudic commentaries for example which comprise the written oral tradition (Mishnah) as well as the commentaries applicable thereof (Gemara).
For the most part traditions and conventions remained consistent to the principles and overall spirit of Torah. At times however these traditions and conventions were/are extraneous and worse yet given priority over the core principles of written Torah by Jewish religious/societal leaders … thinking highly of themselves! In effect the wrappings of the commandments within rabbinical societal conventions ultimately created fences around the Torah … keeping individuals from applying the Torah Spiritually.
So is it being declared that: Torah is the commandments and statutes extracted from Hebrew Scriptures and wrapped in Jewish societal conventions? Unfortunately most of the world believes this myth. Most assuredly the vast majority of Christian faiths and adherents view Torah in this perspective! But what then is really the best way to view Hebraic or Biblical Torah if not simply as previously described?
[The Hebrew word Torah comes from the Hebrew root word yarah. Yarah means to throw, to shoot (as an arrow for example), to aim at. Yarah then is the directional process taken by a propelled object. Yarah certainly implies: a starting point, a traveling process, and an end point. As a derivative of the word yarah, Torah means much more than a legal code or set of rules. Torah implies a path for an individual and community whose propulsion is generated by G_D himself! When viewed in this Hebraic context perhaps the concept of “missing the mark” invoked within the B’rit Chadasha (New Testament) resonates with much more force and focus and provides a peek into just how Hebraic the so called New Testament really is?
By association of ideas Torah means guidance, instruction and revelation; it should not be interpreted in a solely legalistic (commands and statutes) sense! It is a way of life derived from the covenant-relationship between G_D and his chosen people Israel. That Torah is not only law can be seen from the fact that it is equally well prophetic utterance/revelation (i.e. Isaiah or Psalms) and the counseling of the wise (i.e. Job, Proverbs,). It would appear when viewed objectively that commandment is supplementary to Torah but not identical with it.
As such the usual English translation of the Hebrew word Torah – “law” can be seen to be much narrower than the meaning of the word itself and is ultimately not very accurate. From a non-Hebraic perspective Torah would naturally be viewed in the context of secular and societal regulations but for a Hebrew, Torah runs far deeper and in effect defines the essence of the individual and communal existence.
Subsequently a much better English translation of the Hebrew term "Torah" might be “Instructional Journey” or “The Way”! Hmmm … sound familiar? It would seem that most readers have just been given a glimpse into the mind and heart of our beloved Mashiach! Strange is it not that the earliest followers of Mashiach Yeshua were called followers of “The Way” … just as the ancient Israelites were commanded to be people of "HaDerech" … a.k.a. "The Way"!
Still further it should be understood that Torah can't realistically be defined as or limited to any sub-set of Holy Scripture such as the first five books of the Hebrew TANAKH (a.k.a. Hebrew Old Testament). Torah then is more accurately: the collective revelation of knowledge from G_D to mankind through the inspired Hebrew writings which constitute Holy Scripture! Essentially by association then, all of Holy Scripture is Torah. Torah is the complete unified corpus of Hebrew Holy Scripture; The TANAKH and the Brit Chadasha (a.k.a. Christian New Testament). In plain terms; The Hebrew Scriptures/Bible is Torah! G_D’s word without restrictions is Torah!] xviii
Is there any wonder why the faithful Jew cleaves to Torah … is there any wonder why the people of “the BOOK” try to follow, albeit imperfectly, what the BOOK reveals?
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With a broader understanding of Torah now let's take a little deeper look at the purposes of Torah in a Hebraic perspective.
1) Torah represents the essence of G_D’s eternal character … holy, righteous, good and loving:
First and foremost the Torah represents our knowledge of the great G_D of Creation (ELOHIM in Hebrew … a singular plurality). Encapsulated within the Torah … within the Law is the very essence of our G_D. Assuredly Torah reveals our shortfall and sin but conversely it illuminates the character of G_D … of Yeshua. Consequently our understanding and pondering of Torah represents our means of getting to know G_D … getting to know our beloved!
Turning one’s back upon the Torah is in effect saying that one does not need to intimately know G_D … know Yeshua; now what believer would declare that they did not need to know G_D? Not coincidentally the very first commandment is that we will know G_D! In essence failure to seek the character of G_D through pondering of the sacred Torah is a failure to keep the first and supreme commandment of G_D MOST HIGH!
2) Torah Represents the stewardship grant and rules through which man exercises authority over the chaos:
Man was made in the image and likeness of G_D. This means that man was destined to rule/steward over the Earth as a reflection of G_D who both created and granted authority. G_D exercised authority over the chaos in the beginning by bringing forth the light. This light (Yeshua) is the light of mankind and serves within man as G_D’s reflection. Consequently this light (reflection of G_D’s character) as defined in Torah represents mankind’s means of subduing chaos.
When mankind fails to uphold the laws (character of G_D) mankind fails to exercise authority over chaos … letting darkness promulgate and spread.
3) Torah defines our humanity:
Unlike the seductive and idolatrous relativism that is fundamental to this temporal world’s system, the Torah is the eternal and supreme manifestation of G_D’s will for human behavior. Mankind is simply incapable of self-establishing goodness and righteousness. All deviation from Torah compromises the prime directive thereby promulgating chaos.
It is paramount we understand that we are not at liberty to redefine or selectively adopt certain standards of goodness and righteousness … regardless of motive or intent. Consequently observance of Torah is paramount to the prime directive and also what defines us as being human. To act instinctively, not submitting to Torah, essentially renders us as being no different than all the rest of creation.
In short the Torah serves as our means for “sanctification”! “Be Holy for I am Holy” says the LORD. We are sanctified by the knowledge of G_D and made “separate” for His purpose through conformance to the sacred commandments.
4) Torah represents the covenantal relationship between G_D and Israel:
After the fall of our first parents, the innate ability of humanity to exercise stewardship in accordance with G_D’s will was compromised. G_D subsequently chose Israel as His mechanism for re-establishing mankind’s authority over this chaotic temporal world. G_D formally gave Israel the Torah so that both the grant of authority and ability to exercise the authority could be achieved through the auspices of the Everlasting Covenant.
It is important to understand that the authority and the right to exercise this authority are directly connected to the Everlasting Covenant. G_D did not choose all nations … He chose Israel. As such it is only Israel that is granted authority over creation and of course all peoples of the Nations that so desire to come into Israel.
If post-fall mankind could have innately exercised the Torah on our own than there would have been no need for G_D to formally provide the Torah to Israel … but in so doing G_D established his singular Covenantal Nation … Israel.
5) Torah represents the constitutional regulations of G_D’s Kingdom:
Since temporal Israel was set apart to be a Priestly and Holy Nation … charged with re-establishing order over the chaos in the creation … the Torah serves as the corporate and individual by-laws of the Kingdom. It is one thing to be chosen and called for citizenship … it is another thing to remain an active citizen … by abiding by the constitutional mandates.
By submitting to the Torah people are essentially claiming citizenship rights to Israel. Belief and faith are assuredly critical in G_D’s plan but the real deal is not about us … it is not about being saved … it is about becoming part of the Kingdom … spreading the Kingdom … so that chaos can be subdued.
It would appear that we’ve lost our way and make G_D’s plan about us … about our salvation. But we fail to recognize the fact that G_D saves us not for that primary objective … G_D saves us so that we can do what we were supposed to do … provide godly stewardship over His good creation.
6) Torah represents the visible and tangible means by which the lost will be brought back to Him;
As we consider the Hebraic perspective being disclosed herein we should then understand that Torah is the primary mechanism of evangelism … the means through which people will be drawn out of the dark into the light of G_D’s character.
Yet again we know that Torah does not save … G_D saves through the awesome works of Yeshua HaMashiach. But think for a moment … the Good News Gospel is the message of redemption, hope, transformation and salvation. This is a message of what G_D has done for us … but our message needs to be supported with the fruits of why he did this for us! G_D assuredly did not save us so that we could look and act just like those that are being drawn in … if this were the case how could there be any difference … how could there be any separation between light and dark … why would there be any yearning to be in the light?
Consequently the Torah, Israel’s light and wisdom before the Nations, serves as the primary evangelical tool to draw people into the truth of Mashiach. The Gospel and a Torah observant lifestyle work hand in hand. In some cases the lifestyle leads a person to the truth of Mashiach … on the other hand the Good News of redemption and salvation draws people towards conformance to Yeshua’s character!
The point being that there is no real evangelism without the shining of light! Anyone can assuredly preach the good news and recount the words of the Book … how much more effective is a person however when that good news is delivered in conjunction with the shining light of peculiarity? Hmmm!
7) Torah represents our means of providing witness to Who we serve:
In Hebrew the community Israel is often referred to by the terms “HaEd” and HaKeru’im … meaning the community of “witnesses” and “called out ones” respectively. Additionally Israel was also referred to as the people of “HaDerech” … “the way”!
Torah submission consequently serves to testify … serves as a believer’s testimony … as a witness to whom we serve and to whom has provided the calling! Do we get this? Israel is the community that has been called out … by G_D … to follow “the way” which he has provided.
When as believers we submit to the unique and peculiar lifestyle that Torah observance brings … we bare testimony not to ourselves but to G_D … and His Mashiach Yeshua. We bare testimony that he really is G_D … worthy of worship, obedience and servitude! If we claim to be Israel then we assuredly must provide testimony in a fashion Biblically revealed … else we are just making this G_D to person relationship all about us! Hmmm!
8) Torah represents the visible and tangible trust through faith that we have in ADONAI:
Obedience to G_D’s ways … His commandments … his lifestyle for us is the direct result and display of our trust in him. G_D has made many promises to us and our abiding within the framework that he has set forth is a public display of our trust that he will deliver on these promises.
Yes G_D through his Mashiach Yeshua has promised to deliver us … in that day! But this promise requires our trust that abrogating all of the hopes and dreams of “this world” (abundant wealth, fun, satisfaction, prominence, self-determination, sin) will not leave us missing the boat. This is why Torah observance serves as a demarcation line between faithfulness and faithlessness. For the lukewarm believer that still lives to the dreams and desires of this temporal world … there really is no belief that what is coming is better … is eternal. There is a continued fear of missing out in the here and now and this is because there is no real trust. There is a continued fear of death!
We need to examine ourselves and really think about how good our trust level is with our LORD!
9) Torah manifests our personal and communal submission to ADONAI;
Torah submission ultimately is about submission … it is ultimately about relenting to G_D and putting aside that first sin … that desire to be G_D … that desire to be in control! We really need to understand that submitting to Torah is indeed all about control. Control by G_D but also our Torah submission puts us in control because when we do so, sin is no longer in control.
Funny how this works out … we need to give up control to get control. We need to stop acting on our own to get back in charge. So … how are we doing? Are we in charge or are we being led astray by the machinations of our own minds and desires?
10) Torah Represents true love … in all ways is sacrificing one’s own ideas to implement G_D’s ideas in all matters of life real love:
The notion that an emotional, kind, tolerant, sympathetic and empathetic attitude is equivalent to love is generally a misconception and the means to explain away the lack of obedience more often than not.
Please do not get this wrong … most assuredly a mushy and pliable heart is what our LORD desires and does make within us. He does rid of us seething anger, bitterness, contempt, strife, etc. … but … all the same this “friendly attitude” is not what loving really is all about. Love is pure sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Love as defined by G_D is exercising authority over sin, at our own temporal expense, for the benefit of creation. Willing obedience is the way a believer lays down their temporal life to make the creation better for the rest of humanity. Real love quite frankly in a Biblical sense is just down right unpopular!
Just think about it for a moment … sin is essentially self-gratification at the most rudimentary level. What would the creation be like without this sin? It would be perfect … agreed?
Hopefully this abbreviated peek into the purposefulness of G_D's Torah helps alleviate the dogmatic concerns regarding "being under the law"! Ultimately the Torah is all about finding G_D … finding Yeshua our Messiah!
In light of this Hebraic perspective perhaps it is far easier to understand the importance of Torah to faithful Jews and also realize how the promise of restoration through traditional Christianity offers little value to Jewish people. A faithful Jew simply can't accept a dogmatic system of belief that abrogates virtually everything that is important to them!
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As indicated the Jewish sages/teachers, from Moses until today have essentially developed various useful models by which to define and use Torah for the intended betterment of Israel for the glory of G_D. But in the broader context of Torah being G_D’s instructions or revelation to Israel and all humanity, one needs to really question accordingly: “what does The Scripture say about Torah and most importantly who is the final arbiter of Torah?
Although one might quickly conjecture that the answer surely must be G_D himself, we must remember that what G_D reveals perfectly is subjected to the interpretations of men. Conversely one might then conjecture that the human arbiter must assuredly then be Moses to whom the commandments were given?
Ah … the plot thickens a bit … but fortunately for us G_D in his mercy and wisdom has indeed provided us the definitive answer in this matter. And the answer is? MASHIACH Yeshua … THE CHRIST!
And now the proof of this declaration will show forth through a brief review of selected Messianic Revelations provided by G_D to Israel through the prophets: Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, Jonah, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
Micah 4,14 Now shall thou gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops; they have laid siege against us; they smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. 5 ,1 But thou, Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from ancient days. 5,2 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travails has brought forth; then the residue of his brethren shall return with the children of Israel. 5,3 And he shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his G_D; and they shall abide, for then shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
Isaiah 9,5 For a child is born unto us, a son is given unto us; and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name is called Pele-Joez-El-Gibbor-Abi-Ad-Sar-Shalom; 9,6 That the government may be increased, and of peace there be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it through justice and through righteousness from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts doth perform this.
Isaiah 7,13 And he said: 'Hear ye now, O house of David: Is it a small thing for you to weary men, that ye will weary my G_D also? 7,14 Therefore the LORD Himself shall give you a sign: behold, the young woman shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu El (G_D with us). 7,15 Curd and honey shall he eat, when he knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 7,16 Yea, before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two kings thou hast a horror of shall be forsaken. 7,17 The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria.'
Malachi 2,17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say: 'Wherein have we wearied him?' In that ye say: 'Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or where is the G_D of justice?' 3 ,1 Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall clear the way before me; and the LORD, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in, behold, he cometh, says the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 40,10 Behold, the LORD G_D will come as a Mighty One, and his arm will rule for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him
Daniel 7,9 I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his raiment was as white snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire. 7,10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him; thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 7,11 I beheld at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke, I beheld even till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. 7,12 And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away; yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 7,13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and he was brought near before him. 7,14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Commentary:
These prophetic revelations undeniably depict Mashiach as much, much more than any man and certainly as a unity of G_D MOST HIGH! There can be only one G_D! As such Mashiach as prophesied and revealed through Torah can only reasonably be an integral part of G_D’s divine unity!
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Isaiah 61,1 The spirit of the LORD G_D is upon me; because the LORD has anointed me to bring good tidings unto the humble; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the eyes to them that are bound; 61,2 To proclaim the year of the LORD'S good pleasure, and the day of vengeance of our G_D; to comfort all that mourn; 61,3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the mantle of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called terebinths of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, wherein he might glory.
Isaiah 35,3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and make firm the tottering knees. 35,4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart: 'Be strong, fear not'; behold, your G_D will come with vengeance, with the recompense of G_D he will come and save you. 35 ,5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 35,6 Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
Nahum 2,1 Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings that announces peace! Keep thy feasts, O Judah, perform thy vows; for the wicked one shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. 2,2 A maul is come up before thy face; guard the defenses, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily!-- 2,3 For the LORD restores the pride of Jacob, as the pride of Israel; for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine-branches.
Isaiah 28,16 Therefore thus says the LORD G_D: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; he that believeth shall not make haste. 28,17 And I will make justice the line and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding-place. 28,18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled and your agreement with the nether-world shall not stand; when the scouring scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it, 28,19