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.