The Hebrew word that is often translated “Law” is Torah. It means “teaching” or “instruction.” Because the instruction that God gave Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1—34:38, Leviticus 1:1—27:34, Numbers 1:1—10:10) is so important, it became known as “the Law.” The Law was never meant to be just a set of rules to be obeyed in order to earn God’s favor. God had already set the people free from slavery in Egypt when he gave them the Law. Its purpose was to help the people stay in God’s favor and to remain free.

Actually, the five books Genesis through Deuteronomy also became known as Torah or the Law. (In addition, this collection of sacred writings is sometimes called the Pentateuch, meaning “the five books.”) They tell the story of God’s love for and activity on behalf of Israel and the world. The instruction that God gave to Moses cannot fully be understood apart from the story of God’s love for the world.

Beyond what God gave Moses at Mount Sinai, more rules are found in Deuteronomy, which means “second law.” God’s giving of a “second law” suggests that the Law is not set for all time. It grows and changes. After the exile, Jewish scribes and rabbis were responsible for interpreting the Law, including the task of helping it change and grow to meet new situations. Jesus continued to do this. (See, for example, Matt 5:21-39.) Jesus changed certain rules of the Law not “to do away with them, but to give them their full meaning” (Matt 5:17). Jesus summarizes the full meaning of the Law as loving God and loving one’s neighbor (Matt 22:37-40; compare Lev 19:18; Deut 6:4). 

The apostle Paul also continued to interpret the Law, helping it to change and grow. Like Jesus, Paul summarizes the full meaning of the Law as love (Rom 13:9). Paul also said that all people are welcome in God’s kingdom, regardless of what they eat, what day they worship on, or whether they are circumcised. This goes against many of the rules found in Genesis to Deuteronomy. But Paul said that people are saved by God’s love shown in Jesus, not by following any set of rules (Rom 10:4; Gal 5:1-6). According to Paul, the Law is useful because it points out our sin (Rom 3:20; Gal 3:19) and because it shows what is holy and good (Rom 7:12).

Certain psalms (Ps 1; 19; 119) celebrate the Law as the means for people to stay in God’s favor and receive God’s blessings. Happiness and true life come from listening to and obeying God’s instruction, rather than trying to please oneself (Ps 1:1-2; 19:7-8; 119:1, 92, 174).