The Written Law, often referred to as the Mosaic Law or the Torah, holds a central place in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. It was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and subsequently entrusted to the Levites, the priestly tribe, for safekeeping and instruction. This Law is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The giving of the Law is a pivotal event in the narrative of the Exodus. According to the Scriptures, after the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they encamped at Mount Sinai. It was here that God revealed His Law to Moses. The Law was inscribed on two tablets of stone, often referred to as the Tablets of the Covenant. Exodus 24:12 states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.'"

Role of the Levites

The Levites were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. They were responsible for teaching the Law to the people and ensuring its observance. Deuteronomy 31:9 highlights this role: "So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel."

The Levites' duties included reading the Law publicly, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:11-13 : "When all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law."

Content and Structure

The Written Law encompasses various types of laws, including moral, ceremonial, and civil statutes. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, serve as the moral foundation. The ceremonial laws pertain to worship practices, sacrifices, and festivals, while the civil laws govern societal conduct and justice.

Significance in Israelite Society

The Law was not merely a set of rules but a comprehensive guide for living in covenant with God. It established a distinct identity for the Israelites as God's chosen people and set them apart from surrounding nations. The Law was intended to reflect God's holiness and righteousness, as Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'"

Preservation and Transmission

The Levites played a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the Law. They were tasked with copying and safeguarding the scrolls, ensuring that the Law was transmitted accurately through generations. This meticulous care is evident in the command found in Deuteronomy 17:18-19 , which instructs future kings to write for themselves a copy of the Law, "And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes."

The Written Law in Later Jewish Tradition

The Written Law continued to be central in Jewish life and practice beyond the biblical period. It was the basis for the development of the Oral Law, which sought to interpret and apply the Written Law to new circumstances. The Levites, along with other religious leaders, played a significant role in this interpretative tradition, which eventually contributed to the formation of the Talmud.

In summary, the Written Law given to the Levites is a cornerstone of biblical faith and practice, serving as a divine guide for the Israelites and a testament to God's covenantal relationship with His people.