Most of us avoid it as much as we can. But, with just a little help, we can better understand the law in the Old Testament. This post will define “law,” describe three categories of the law, and give tips for understanding and applying the Old Testament law. (Also see “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.”)

What is the Law?

If you’ve been confused by the phrase “the law,” you’re not alone. Confusion is understandable since the term “law” is used in several different ways in Scripture. Here are quick descriptions of the primary ways it’s used:

The Law – Used by ancient Jews to refer to either the whole Old Testament or the “Pentateuch.” The first five books of the Old Testament, which are attributed to Moses, comprise the Pentateuch.The Law – Sometimes the term indicates God’s covenant with Israel and the religious system it established. Ancient covenants were primarily granted by a generous but powerful individual to a weaker, dependent person or group of people. The powerful guaranteed protection and benefits to the weaker. The weaker committed themselves to certain stipulations. The powerful honored the covenant as long as the weaker kept the stipulations.The laws – Finally, the term also refers to the more than 600 specific commands found in the Pentateuch. ( Specifically in Exodus 20 through Deuteronomy 33.) For our purpose, when we refer to the law, we mean the actual 600 plus commands God gave to the Israelites as His covenant people. What are the different kinds of laws in the Old Testament?

The Bible itself does not break down or classify its collection of laws. However, scholars categorized them to help Christians recognize the different functions and thus understand what still applies to us today. Here are the three categories of laws: 

Ceremonial (ritual) – This larger category details how Israel was to worship and remain in right relationship with God. These include the sacrificial system, the priests’ duties, operation of the tabernacle, ceremonies and festivals, and more. Civil – These laws helped Israel function as a community/nation. They addressed legal issues like marriage, property, inheritance, and debt. They also included penalties for crimes. These kept their society functioning, maintained proper relationships, and protected the weak. Moral (ethical) – These laws reflect God’s holy character and thus deal with timeless truths and eternal principles. The Ten Commandments are the prime example of moral law. Does the Old Testament Law apply to Christians?

All Scripture – both New and Old Testaments – is inspired by God and useful for both our spiritual growth and our knowledge of Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 5:14). Its truths and principles are timeless and reflect the character and nature of God. However, not all the specifics are directly applicable to us in the same way they were for the ancient Israelites. (Also see “6 Reasons to Read and Study the Old Testament.” and “Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament Law?“)

Here are a few things to consider as we seek to determine how the law of the Old Testament applies to believers today:

The ceremonial or ritual law all pointed to Jesus – The New Testament book of Hebrews shows how Jesus fulfilled every element of Israel’s religious system. Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). He is also our High Priest who established a superior, eternal covenant making the “first one obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13). All the elements of the Old Covenant’s religious system were temporary, merely a shadow of God’s eternal covenant through Christ (Hebrews 8:4-7).  Also see “Look for Jesus in the Old Testament.“The civil law was grounded in the culture and history of ancient Israel – A quick glance through Leviticus or Deuteronomy yields plenty of examples of specific laws with no direct application for today’s world. For instance, “no one shall take a mill or an upper millstone in pledge, for that would be taking a life in pledge” (Deuteronomy 24:6). Few of us own mills or millstones today. However, the underlying principle can still be recognized and applied. Don’t secure a loan with anything the debtor needs to make a living. (Also see “ Mind the Historical and Cultural Gap in Scripture. “)The Old Covenant was an agreement between God and the nation of Israel – We are not bound by that covenant or obligated to its stipulations. However, those who are in Christ are saved into a new covenant. Christians are “not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Paul describes those under the New Covenant as “slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:18) who are obligated to follow the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16-18). Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant – Jesus said: “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” (Matthew 5:17). The Greek word translated “fulfill” in the ESV means “to fulfill, complete, carry out to the full.” Jesus did not simply “cancel” the Law and do something new. Instead, Jesus fulfilled it through His life, character, and work. Under the New Covenant we are obligated to the Spirit – Freedom from the law is not freedom to live as we please. Instead, believers are set free from the law to become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:15-16). As we follow the indwelling Holy Spirit, we will fulfill the “righteous requirement of the law” (Romans 8:4) and live lives that reflect God’s character and please and honor Him.  (Also see “ A Case for Continuity of the Moral Law. “)5 Tips to better understand the law in the Old Testament

You ready to start reading Leviticus or Numbers? With the right approach the law will encourage you and equip you with godly principles. Here are a few tips to help you better understand the law in the Old Testament:

Determine the type of law – Using the descriptions given above, decide whether the particular law you read is civil, ceremonial, or moral. This will help you know how directly to apply it.Recognize how it’s been fulfilled in Christ – This is particularly relevant for the ceremonial laws. Identify the underlying principle – All the Old Covenant laws were based in God’s character and His righteous expectations for His people. Strip away the historical and cultural trappings to find the eternal ethical, moral, and theological principles on which the law is based. That is still applicable for God’s people. Look for what it reveals about God – As mentioned above, the law of the Old Testament is grounded in God’s character, purposes, and ways. Understanding the intent of the law teaches us something about Him.Read through New Covenant glasses – Consider how the law helps us better understand God’s big story of redemption in Christ. Ask how following it will help us live like Kingdom citizens.

Have you avoided reading the law in the Old Testament? In what way does this post encourage you to try again?

Help to Better Understand the Law in the Old Testament by Kathy Howard.