logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2015
48m 2s

Understanding the Law Part 1: The LAW

BibleProject Podcast
About this episode

In this episode, Tim and Jon go deeper into the themes introduced in our video, “The Law.” What is the purpose of the Old Testament law, and what does it have to do with Christians today? The guys will talk about how the laws were given to the ancient Israelites and how they contribute to a larger narrative about human nature and God’s plan for creation. There’s a lot to unpack here, and there’s definitely something we can learn by understanding these ancient commands.

In the first part of the episode (01:28-22:02), the guys talk about some of the issues with calling the first five books of the Bible, or the Torah, “the law.” These books contain laws for the people of Israel, but “torah” actually means teachings or guidance. Even the laws that you do find are usually in a narrative structure.

In the last part of the episode (22:16-47:03), the guys talk about the purpose of the law. The law wasn’t given to the whole world; it was given for the covenant people of Israel. The reason they exist was so that Israel would be set apart from other nations and God could bless all of the nations through them.

Video:
This episode is designed to accompany our video called, "The Law." You can view it on our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BGO9Mmd_cU

Book References:
The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H. Sailhamer
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A.J. Jacobs
Scripture References:
Exodus 20-23
Numbers 14-15

Show Music:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Blue Skies by Unwritten Stories
Flooded Meadows by Unwritten Stories

Up next
Jul 7
Yahweh the Redeemer in Isaiah
Redemption E5 — For many centuries, ancient Israel lived in the land of promise but consistently broke their covenant with Yahweh. The prophet Isaiah warned the people that their corruption and idolatry would lead them back into slavery—not to Egypt but to the empires of Assyria ... Show More
41m 2s
Jul 2
If the Bible Was Written by Humans, Does that Change Its Reliability?
How the Bible Was Formed Q+R (E5) — What is the relationship between the written word of the Bible and Jesus as the Word at the beginning of creation? How do we reconcile the Bible’s editing process with Scriptures that forbid adding or taking away from God’s word? And what shoul ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 30
Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and a Cosmic Redemption
Redemption E4 — During a dark time in ancient Israel, idolatry, injustice, and death ruled the land and its people. In the midst of a famine, a destitute widow tragically loses her husband and adult sons and is left alone with her immigrant daughter-in-law. It’s a horrible situat ... Show More
1h 4m
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Why Are There So Many Rules in Christianity? with Jen Wilkin
Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Jen Wilkin to have a conversation about the ten commandments and why they are important to us today.Questions Covered in This Episode:What did you want to be when you grow up?What is an image bearer?Where do the ten commandments fit into the story ... Show More
36m 41s
May 2024
The Revolutionary Mosaic Law
The Torah is a revolutionary document that changed many ways ancient people viewed ethics and themselves. Correction: When I cited the book, "Marriage and Family in the Biblical World" I said the quotes came from Ken Campbell (the editor) when in the book they come from Daniel Bl ... Show More
23m 17s
Nov 2023
Episode 643: The Most Powerful Spiritual Laws and Universal Principles That Have Transformed My Life and Business (PART TWO)
Last week, we talked about some of the most powerful spiritual laws that have transformed my life and my business, and there were so many key principles that we just had to bring you a special Part Two today. In this episode, we look at the laws of correspondence, dharma, recipro ... Show More
1h 44m
Jan 2023
The Bible as an Alternative Story | Scripture E2
Why do authoritarian governments often ban the Bible? John Mark talks about the how the library of Scripture is an alternative story: one that points to Jesus as the center of reality. He challenges us to let this story shape our lives and engage with these writings, even through ... Show More
51m 6s
Mar 2024
Joshua and the Treaty - The Book of Joshua
In this Bible Story, Israel battles against five allied armies. God sends hail from the sky and causes the sun to stand still until Israel prevails over their foe. This story is inspired by Joshua 9-10. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is ... Show More
14m 47s
Mar 2023
Day 71: The Source of the Law (2023)
Fr. Mike shares more details surrounding the Old Testament laws, including why God would give us these laws in the first place. Today's readings are Numbers 23, Deuteronomy 24-25, and Psalm 106. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note ... Show More
22m 45s
Mar 2022
Day 71: The Source of the Law (2022)
Fr. Mike shares more details surrounding the Old Testament laws, including why God would give us these laws in the first place. Today's readings are Numbers 23, Deuteronomy 24-25, and Psalm 106. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note ... Show More
22m 45s