Topical Bible: The Jews: National Character of Attachment to Customs of the Law

◄ The Jews: National Character of Attachment to Customs of the Law ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Jewish people, as depicted in the Bible, exhibit a profound and enduring attachment to the customs and laws given to them by God through Moses. This attachment is not merely a cultural or traditional adherence but is deeply rooted in their identity as God's chosen people. The Law, or Torah, serves as the foundation of Jewish life, guiding their religious, social, and moral conduct.

Biblical Foundation

The commitment of the Jewish people to the Law is first established in the covenant at Mount Sinai, where God gives Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenantal relationship underscores the importance of the Law as a defining element of Jewish identity.

Observance and Tradition

Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews' dedication to the Law is evident. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of the Law's integration into daily life and the importance of passing these customs to future generations.

Historical Context

The historical books of the Old Testament, such as Kings and Chronicles, document periods of both adherence and neglect of the Law. During times of national revival, leaders like King Josiah and Ezra the scribe led efforts to restore the Law's centrality in Jewish life. In 2 Kings 23:25 , it is noted of Josiah, "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, according to all the Law of Moses."

Prophetic Emphasis

The prophets frequently called the people back to the Law, emphasizing its role in maintaining a right relationship with God. Jeremiah 31:33 speaks of a new covenant where God promises, "I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." This prophetic vision underscores the enduring significance of the Law, not just as an external code but as an internalized guide for living.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Jewish attachment to the Law is evident in the interactions between Jesus and the religious leaders. Jesus Himself affirms the value of the Law, stating in Matthew 5:17 , "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them." The early church grappled with the role of the Law, particularly in relation to Gentile believers, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

Cultural and Religious Continuity

The Jewish commitment to the Law has persisted through centuries of diaspora and persecution. The customs and traditions rooted in the Law have provided a sense of continuity and identity for Jewish communities worldwide. Practices such as the observance of the Sabbath, dietary laws, and festivals like Passover and Yom Kippur continue to be central to Jewish life and worship.

In summary, the national character of the Jews is deeply intertwined with their attachment to the customs of the Law. This attachment is a testament to their enduring covenant with God and their role as a people set apart to live according to His statutes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 6:14
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:21
And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 22:3
I am truly a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 John iii. 1-3
... an element once introduced into the national development, without ... upon the formation
of their character, suppose that ... narrow; just as the Jews, having received ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 3-jan.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... the growing compass of the national literature and ... Whatever divine character the
reflecting attributed to the ... Pentateuch was most highly venerated by the Jews. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... a religion, intended to abolish national distinctions, and ... to stigmatize the opinions
and character of their ... their extreme degeneracy, the Jews still pretended ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

Chapter i.
... living experts, recognise the unhistorical character of much ... the Alexandrian Jews
possessed, in addition to ... writings belonging to their national literature [72 ...
/.../an introduction to the old testament in greek additional notes/chapter i.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another ... I endeavor
to wipe from the fair character of Abolitionism ... Slavery then is a national sin ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... mentioned as another who joined a devoted attachment to the ... who desired to see the
existing character of the ... to those which had given the National Church its ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... But he who wishes to investigate the character of the ... be saved,' when the Gospel
centred in the attachment to a ... of the custom and tradition of the Jews and the ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... they are mine enemies.' A national collection was ... like Bunyan, a thoroughly depraved
character; like him ... made prisoners, tried by martial law, and condemned to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... to draw similar inferences touching the character of Nabopolassar ... by the kyrbasis,
or pointed national cap of ... for a welcome change in the fortunes of the Jews. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm