Discuss the different approaches to translating Old Testament Law. What observations are made by Duvall & Hays regarding the “covenant context” of the Law, specifically the Mosaic Covenant? How do these observations help you to study, apply, and even obey passages contained in the law?
Many people today are confused as to how to interpret the Old Testament law and show its relevance for Christians today. Some skim through the law passages without paying attention to it. Others search carefully, without understanding, finding a few understandable commands and holding to them as a guideline for life today.[1] Neither methods are particularly helpful, nor are they consistent with reading and interpreting Scripture.
The traditional approach divides Old Testament law into three categories: moral, civil, and ceremonial. Moral laws dealt with right and wrong. They were the “timeless truths regarding God’s intention for human behavior.”[2] Civil laws described the rules of the legal system, regarding things like economics, land, crimes, and punishment.[3] The ceremonial laws were commands about festivals, sacrifices, and priestly duties. Traditionally, these divisions were vital to interpreting the OT law: the civil and ceremonial laws were not applicable for today’s believers, but the moral law was.[4] However, this viewpoint raises some questions. Plus the “distinctions between moral, civil, and ceremonial laws appear to be arbitrary.”[5] The Bible makes no such distinctions; rather, all laws point to God’s holiness and His commands to remain separate from pagan practices and culture.[6] As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, all Scripture is God-breathed and sufficient for New Testament believers. The Interpretive Journey approach helps to note the cultural and historical differences in order to apply the foundation of the law to life today.
The OT law was introduced by a covenant which God made with the people of Israel. As we use and interpret this part of Scripture there are several things to take note of. The Mosaic covenant is closely associated with Israel’s conquest and occupation of the land.[7] The blessings on Israel were conditional: as long as Israel continued to love God, keep His commandments, and drive out the pagan inhabitants of the land, God promised to bless the nation.[8] The book of Deuteronomy explains most of these laws and conditions for the Israelites. However, as NT Christians, the Mosaic covenant is no longer a functional covenant and does not stand over NT believers as law.[9] Hebrews explains this in detail, as does Romans, how that Christ came as the fulfillment of the Mosaic law and issued in a new covenant with His people. This law would be written on the people’s hearts and minds, rather than on tablets of stone. Paul clarifies in Galatians, that we have liberty from the bondage of the OT law, so when we interpret these passages, we must be careful not to place people back under it.[10]
Jesus became the fulfillment of the Mosaic law, as the foreshadowed Savior of the prophets. He is the final Interpreter and has complete authority over all law. “Some Old Testament laws Jesus restates (Matthew 19:18-19), bu some he modifies (Matthew 5:31-32). Some laws he intensifies (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28) and some he changes significantly (5:33-37, 38-42, 43-47).”[11] Jesus’ laws reminded people of the heart and spirit in the commands, rather than just the letter of the law that the Pharisees taught. So therefore, we must interpret the law through the grid of Jesus’ teaching in the NT.[12] The specifics of the OT law may not apply to us today, but the principles and guidelines of it most certainly do. When interpreted through the eyes of the NT teachings, the OT becomes applicable and revelant for believers today. [13]
