Why Did God Give Israel the Law?
After bringing Israel out of Egypt, God entered into a covenant with the nation at Mount Sinai. Through Moses He gave them His Law, including the Ten Commandments and many other commands that governed their worship, their daily lives, and their relationship with one another.
Why did God do this?
Was the Law given as the final answer to man's sin?
The New Testament says no.
The Law was an important part of God's plan, but it was never intended to be the final step.
Paul explains,
"Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come." (Galatians 3:19)
Notice two important truths.
First, the Law was added.
God's promise to Abraham came first.
Second, it was given until the promised Seed—Jesus Christ—came.
The Law revealed God's holiness and taught Israel what sin was.
Paul writes,
"Through the law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20)
The Law could identify sin, but it could not remove it.
Its sacrifices pointed forward to something greater.
The writer of Hebrews explains,
"It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." (Hebrews 10:4)
Those sacrifices reminded the people of their need for forgiveness, but they looked ahead to the perfect sacrifice that Christ would offer.
Paul also describes the Law as a tutor.
"The law was our tutor to bring us to Christ." (Galatians 3:24)
A tutor prepares a student for what comes next.
In the same way, the Law prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah. It preserved the nation, revealed God's character, exposed mankind's need for salvation, and pointed forward to Jesus.
When Christ came, He fulfilled the purpose of the Law.
He lived the perfect life Israel could not live.
He offered the perfect sacrifice the Law could only foreshadow.
He established the New Covenant that the prophets had promised.
Understanding the purpose of the Law helps us appreciate the unity of the Bible.
The Law was never God's final destination.
It was a bridge leading to Christ.
Its purpose was not merely to govern one nation.
Its greater purpose was to prepare the world for the coming Savior.
Continue Your Study
How Did Jesus Fulfill God's Plan?
Everything we have studied so far points in one direction.
How did Jesus fulfill the promises, the Law, the sacrifices, and the hopes of the Old Testament?
Related Bible Studies
Why Did God Choose Abraham?
Biblical Authority
The Kingdom of God
The Temple Story from Genesis to Revelation
Companion Video
Why Did God Give Israel the Law?
Read First. Conclude Later.