Torah part1
by Todd Elder
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The word 'Torah' can refer to many different things depending on
how it is used and who is using it. Defined simply as the
Almighty's instructions it can be used to refer to the first five
books of the Bible, the entire Old Testament, or all of the Bible.
In looking at the word 'torah', we find that it is defined as a
precept or statute and comes from a root word meaning teaching or
instruction. Used this way it more specifically refers to what is
variously known as the Torah, Pentetuch, first five books of the
Bible, Books of Moses, and books of the law.
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For purposes of this paper, Torah will be defined as those statutes
given by YHVH to Israel in the first five books of the Scriptures.
These can be considered as His rules, instructions, and guidelines
that He has given to be followed and obeyed. The purpose in giving
them is for many things but among the most important are to show us
how to have a relationship with YHVH and each other, and to show us
how to have a good (and peaceful) life. Included within these books
is the background of creation, who is YHVH's people, and the
instructions for the Tabernacle which are only a pattern of what
exists in Heaven. His people Israel, both descendants of Abraham
and those grafted in, were meant to follow these rules and still
are today.
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Some people consider following the Torah just the keeping of the 10
commandments. This is not so because these cover just the basic
concepts that say to have only YHVH as the Mighty One and to treat
parents and other people with love and respect. The Torah contains
detailed instructions on many different themes: for men, women,
marriage, money, relationships, being YHVH's people, how to treat
other people, help the poor, care for the world we live in, etc. In
short, it shows us how to love (think about the two greatest
commandments to love YHVH with all your heart mind soul and
strength and also love your neighbor as yourself - they both
involve love).
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It is interesting to note that by oneself, no one person would ever
have to directly obey every single law. Many of these laws are made
and built for being in a community. In using myself as an example,
if alone, I would quickly find I could ignore the rules about
kings, women, courts & punishment, borrowed property, marriage
& family, laws for strangers and aliens, and government &
military themes. It is good to know these laws because I do live in
society and do deal with almost every one of these issues on a
regular basis. If all people followed these instructions, life
would run smoothly, peacefully, and there would likely be no hunger
or need. There is provision for every aspect of life.