Topical Bible: The Law of Moses: The Scribes Were Learned In, and Expounded

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Law of Moses, also known as the Torah, comprises the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is the foundational legal and ethical code given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The Law encompasses commandments, statutes, and ordinances that governed the religious, moral, and social life of the Israelite community.

Role of the Scribes

Scribes were pivotal figures in ancient Israel, responsible for preserving, copying, and interpreting the Scriptures. They were learned men, skilled in the Law of Moses, and played a crucial role in teaching and expounding the Law to the people. Their expertise was essential in ensuring that the Law was understood and applied correctly within the community.

Biblical References

The role of the scribes is highlighted in several passages throughout the Bible. In the time of Ezra, a priest and scribe, we see a clear example of the scribes' dedication to the Law. Ezra 7:6 states, "this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him." Ezra's mission was to teach the statutes and ordinances of the Law to the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's commandments.

In Nehemiah 8:1-8 , we see Ezra reading the Law to the assembly of Israel, with the Levites assisting in explaining the text so that the people could understand. Verse 8 states, "They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read." This passage illustrates the scribes' role in expounding the Law, ensuring that it was accessible and comprehensible to all.

The Scribes in the New Testament

By the time of the New Testament, the scribes had become a distinct group within Jewish society, often associated with the Pharisees. They were recognized as authorities on the Law and were frequently consulted on legal and religious matters. In Matthew 23:2-3 , Jesus acknowledges their authority, saying, "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So practice and observe everything they tell you." However, He also criticizes them for their hypocrisy and failure to practice what they preach.

The scribes' deep knowledge of the Law is evident in their interactions with Jesus. In Mark 12:28-34 , a scribe approaches Jesus to ask which commandment is the most important. Jesus responds by summarizing the Law with the commandments to love God and love one's neighbor. The scribe agrees, demonstrating his understanding of the Law's essence.

The Importance of the Scribes' Work

The scribes' work was vital in maintaining the integrity and continuity of the Law of Moses throughout Israel's history. Their dedication to learning and expounding the Law ensured that it remained a living and active guide for the people. Through their efforts, the principles and commandments of the Law were preserved and transmitted from generation to generation, shaping the spiritual and moral fabric of the Israelite community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:6
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:2
Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... 19:8.) Our Lord here quotes from the Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24.I-4), recognizing
Moses as the ... 3. He rebuked the scribes and Pharisees also for turning from ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue.
... 28; Matthew 22:35), and "doctors of the law" (Luke 5 ... of Jesus differed from the teaching
of the scribes as to ... They spoke on the authority of Moses or the elders ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxi healing a demoniac in.htm

Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... this substitution the objectionable idea of Moses' marrying an ... supposed repetition
of the traditional law, which has ... on the part of the Pharisees and Scribes. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 18 brief outline of.htm

The Chosen People
... In the instruction given through Moses, God had placed ... the country, synagogues were
erected, where the law was expounded by the priests and scribes. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm

The Life of Christ.
... by assisting in the reading of the law and the ... Though Jesus was now invisible to
the Scribes and Pharisees ... highest respect for the institutions of Moses with a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... in Romans 9:15!-"For He saith to Moses, I will ... Justice demands the impartial enforcement
of law. ... No "star" appeared unto the scribes and lawyers as they, in ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... corrupted by the false glosses of the Scribes and Pharisees. ... it holds among all the
precepts of the Law. ... which is most admirably expressed by Moses and Ezekiel ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... The Scribes and Pharisees, says he, sit in Moses' seat; what ... In order, the first
thing is, that those who preside know the law and rule of right government ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... And so by the giving of the law God greatly ... rest in his kingdom that the priests,
scribes and Pharisees ... to follow in fasting the footsteps of Moses and Elias ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... of self-conceit which besets teachers and learned persons both ... my members which wars
against the law of my ... prayer of ver.3. Some early scribes were puzzled by ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm