Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Mashiach and the Torah (Law)

Q: Why is the Torah called The Law? Does it teach legalism? A: The Torah is called The Law simply due to a translation from one language to another. The Tanach was written in Hebrew. The translation goes from the Hebrew word Torah (teaching) to the closest word in the Greek Nomos and then to the English Law. In our Western culture, the word law in and of itself promotes the idea of a legal matter or rules. The Torah was actually a covenant that God made with the people of Israel. It was written in the style of the marriage covenants of that day. The sign of this covenant is the Sabbath. If you have been taught that the Torah is really a legalistic list of do's and don'ts, does that mean that God is legalistic? I hope you answered no! Consider this: In the wester world we probably have more laws on the books than any other people, yet we enjoy the most freedom. We are free to live our lives within the boundaries of those laws that are set up for the well-being and safety of our citizens. Shouldn't we should look at God's laws with even more respect that we look at our own government's laws. After all - He is God! Q: The Torah talks about what to eat and what not to eat....