Meluleki Maphosa Amateur Bible Student

The law in the old testament can be classified into 4 categories:

Civic Laws
These were civic laws that governed daily social life of the Jews. These laws governed those issues that were unique to their customs and religion (see Acts 18:15). The Sanhedrin was created to govern using these rules. The Sanhedrin was agroup of 71 men chaired by the high priest. Originally these laws formed part of the Mosaic law. 

Ceremonial Law
Also know as the Mosaic law, the ceremonial law governed the sanctuary (temple) and its services. These laws had to be meticulosly followed so the sins of the Israel could be forgiven. The priests had to perform ceremonies and follow the instructions as given by Moses. Of course we do not have to perform these ceremonies such as killing animals and burning htem on the alter. However this was a practical lesson to the Hebrews to show them how the plan of salvation works. This old system-along with its sacrifices and rituals and feasts- does not apply anymore, this what Paul meant when he said we are no longer under the law, Heb. 9:9-12. 

Rabbinic Law
Rabbis also penned their own laws based on their interpretation of the 10 commandments, the Civic law and the Ceremonial law. This is where the 613 laws came from. 

The Moral Law
The moral law refers to the 10 commandments written by the fingure of God on tablets of stone. They were kept in the ark of the convenant which was also called the mercy seat. We are told in Revelation that these same laws are still in the ark in heaven. 

I hope this shed some light regarding the laws in the bible. I have expanded it from just the old testament to put the whole thing into perspective.

September 23 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report