The Law of Moses (Hebrew: Torat Moshe), also known as the Mosaic Law, is believed to have been revealed to Moses by God.
Primarily refers to the Torah or the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
First mentioned in the Book of Joshua where Joshua inscribes the words on an altar at Mount Ebal.
The term appears numerous times in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
In modern usage, "Torah" can mean the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, instructions and commandments found therein, or even the Oral Law.
Law in the Ancient Near East
The "Law of Moses" was unique as offenses were against God rather than just society.
Contrast with other ancient codes like the Code of Ur-Nammu and Code of Hammurabi, which focused on civil law.
Similarities exist between Mosaic Law and ancient Near Eastern laws (e.g., lex talionis).
Some scholars suggest the Covenant Code from the Bible is influenced by Mesopotamian laws.
Moses and Authorship
Traditionally, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible are attributed to Moses, though scholars believe multiple authors contributed.
Moses was a leader of the Israelites and is associated with major laws in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Content of the Law
The Law includes:
Ten Commandments
Moral, social, food, and purity laws
Feasts such as Passover, Day of Atonement
Various sacrifices and offerings
Instructions for priesthood and the Tabernacle
The Law was considered supreme and guardianship was assigned to the Levites.
Rabbinical Interpretation
Oral traditions were codified into Rabbinical Judaism and the Talmud, numbered as the 613 commandments.
Rabbinic Judaism teaches that the law applies only to Jews, except for the Seven Laws of Noah which are universal.
Christian Interpretation
Views vary: some believe the Mosaic Law is still in effect for moral guidance, others believe it is abrogated.
Dual-covenant theologians see the Old Covenant as valid for Jews.
Enlightenment philosophers criticized the Law's authoritarian nature.
Islamic View
Islam recognizes Moses as a prophet and the Torah as a major scripture.
The Quran references the Torah multiple times, emphasizing its role and divine commandments.
References
The article cites various scholars and texts for the interpretations and historical context.
Rabbinical and Christian interpretations have diverse views, and the Mosaic Law has influenced religious and philosophical discourse across multiple faiths.