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For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and the seventh
day shall also be a festival to the LORD. Only unleavened bread
may be eaten during the seven days; no leaven and nothing leavened
may be found in all your territory. On this day you shall explain
to your son, 'This is because of what the LORD did for me when I
came out of Egypt.' It shall be as a sign on your hand and as a
reminder on your forehead; thus the law of the LORD will ever be
on your lips, because with a strong hand the LORD brought you out
of Egypt. [EX 13:6-9]
Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to
keep my commandments and laws? Take note! The LORD has given you
the sabbath. That is why on the sixth day he gives you food for
two days. On the seventh day everyone is to stay home and no one
is to go out." After that the people rested on the seventh
day. [EX 16:28-30]
Take the vestments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of
the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastpiece, fastening the
embroidered belt of the ephod around him. Put the miter on his
head, the sacred diadem on the miter. Then take the anointing oil
and anoint him with it, pouring it on his head. Bring forward his
sons also and clothe them with the tunics, gird them with the
sashes, and tie the turbans on them. Thus shall the priesthood be
theirs by perpetual law, and thus shall you ordain Aaron and his
sons. [EX 29:5-9]
The LORD said to Aaron, "When you are to go to the meeting
tent, you and your sons are forbidden under pain of death, by a
perpetual ordinance throughout your generations, to drink any wine
or strong drink. You must be able to distinguish between what is
sacred and what is profane, between what is clean and what is
unclean; you must teach the Israelites all the laws that the LORD
has given them through Moses."
[LEV 10:8-11]
These are the precepts, decrees and laws which the LORD had
Moses promulgate on Mount Sinai in the pact between himself and
the Israelites. [LEV 26:46]
"This, then, is the law for the nazirite; this is the
offering to the LORD which is included in his vow of dedication
apart from anything else which his means may allow. Thus shall he
carry out the law of his dedication in keeping with the vow he has
taken." [NUM 6:21]
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just
as this whole law which I am setting before you today? [DEUT 4:8]
This is the law which Moses set before the Israelites. These
are the ordinances, statutes and decrees which he proclaimed to
them when they had come out of Egypt and were beyond the Jordan in
the ravine opposite Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon, king of the
Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon and whom Moses and the Israelites
defeated after coming out of Egypt. [DEUT 4:44-46]
When he is enthroned in his kingdom, he shall have a copy of
this law made from the scroll that is in the custody of the
levitical priests. He shall keep it with him and read it all the
days of his life that he may learn to fear the LORD, his God, and
to heed and fulfill all the words of this law and these statutes.
Let him not become estranged from his countrymen through pride,
nor turn aside to the right or to the left from these
commandments. Then he and his descendants will enjoy a long reign
in Israel. [DEUT 17:18-20]
"If an unjust witness takes the stand against a man to
accuse him of a defection from the law, the two parties in the
dispute shall appear before the LORD in the presence of the
priests or judges in office at that time; and if after a thorough
investigation the judges find that the witness is a false witness
and has accused his kinsman falsely, you shall do to him as he
planned to do to his kinsman. Thus shall you purge the evil from
your midst." [DEUT 19:16-19]
"On the stones you shall inscribe all the words of this law very
clearly." [DEUT 27:8]
'Cursed be he who fails to fulfill any of the provisions of
this law!' And all the people shall answer, 'Amen!' [DEUT 27:26]
"If you are not careful to observe every word of the law
which is written in this book, and to revere the glorious and
awesome name of the LORD, your God, he will smite you and your
descendants with severe and constant blows, malignant and lasting
maladies. He will again afflict you with all the diseases of Egypt
which you dread, and they will persist among you." [DEUT 28:58-60]
You, however, must again heed the LORD'S voice and carry out
all his commandments which I now enjoin on you. Then the LORD,
your God, will increase in more than goodly measure the returns
from all your labors, the fruit of your womb, the offspring of
your livestock, and the produce of your soil; for the LORD, your
God, will again take delight in your prosperity, even as he took
delight in your fathers', if only you heed the voice of the LORD,
your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written
in this book of the law, when you return to the LORD, your God,
with all your heart and all your soul. [DEUT 30:8-10]
When Moses had written down this law, he entrusted it to the
levitical priests who carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD,
and to all the elders of Israel, giving them this order: "On
the feast of Booths, at the prescribed time in the year of
relaxation which comes at the end of every seven-year period, when
all Israel goes to appear before the LORD, your God, in the place
which he chooses, you shall read this law aloud in the presence of
all Israel. Assemble the people - men, women and children, as well
as the aliens who live in your communities - that they may hear it
and learn it, and so fear the LORD, your God, and carefully
observe all the words of this law. Their children also, who do not
know it yet, must hear it and learn it, that they too may fear the
LORD, your God, as long as you live on the land which you will
cross the Jordan to occupy." [DEUT
31:9-13]
When Moses had finished writing out on a scroll the words of
the law in their entirety, he gave the Levites who carry the ark
of the covenant of the LORD this order: "Take this scroll of
the law and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD,
your God, that there it may be a witness against you. For I
already know how rebellious and stiff-necked you will be. Why,
even now, while I am alive among you, you have been rebels against
the LORD! How much more, then, after I am dead!" [DEUT 31:24-27]
When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel,
he said, "Take to heart all the warning which I have now
given you and which you must impress on your children, that you
may carry out carefully every word of this law. For this is no
trivial matter for you; rather, it means your very life, since it
is by this means that you are to enjoy a long life on the land
which you will cross the Jordan to occupy." [DEUT 32:45-47]
A law he gave to us; he made the community of Jacob his
domain, and he became king of his darling. When the chiefs of
the people assembled and the tribes of Israel came together. [DEUT 33:4-5]
Above all, be firm and steadfast, taking care to observe the
entire law which my servant Moses enjoined on you. Do not swerve
from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed
wherever you go. Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by
night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it;
then you will successfully attain your goal. [JOSH 1:7-8]
There, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua inscribed upon
the stones a copy of the law written by Moses. And all Israel,
stranger and native alike, with their elders, officers and judges,
stood on either side of the ark facing the levitical priests who
were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Half of them
were facing Mount Gerizim and half Mount Ebal, thus carrying out
the instructions of Moses, the servant of the LORD, for the
blessing of the people of Israel on this first occasion. Then were
read aloud all the words of the law, the blessings and the curses,
exactly as written in the book of the law. Every single word that
Moses had commanded, Joshua read aloud to the entire community,
including the women and children, and the strangers who had
accompanied Israel. [JOSH 8:32-35]
For many years now you have not once abandoned your kinsmen,
but have faithfully carried out the commands of the LORD, your
God. Since, therefore, the LORD, your God, has settled your
kinsmen as he promised them, you may now return to your tents
beyond the Jordan; to your own land, which Moses, the servant of
the LORD, gave you. But be very careful to observe the precept and
law which Moses, the servant of the LORD, enjoined upon you: love
the LORD, your God; follow him faithfully; keep his commandments;
remain loyal to him; and serve him with your whole heart and soul.
Joshua then blessed them and sent them away to their own tents. [JOSH 22:3-6]
Therefore strive hard to observe and carry out all that is
written in the book of the law of Moses, not straying from it in
any way [Taken from JOSH 23:6]
Then the people promised Joshua, "We will serve the LORD,
our God, and obey his voice." So Joshua made a covenant with
the people that day and made statutes and ordinances for them at
Shechem, which he recorded in the book of the law of God. Then he
took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was in
the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the people,
"This stone shall be our witness, for it has heard all the
words which the LORD spoke to us. It shall be a witness against
you, should you wish to deny your God." [JOSH
24:24-27]
Samuel next explained to the people the law of royalty and
wrote it in a book, which he placed in the presence of the LORD.
This done, Samuel dismissed the people, each to his own place.
[1SAM 10:25]
When the time of David's death drew near, he gave these
instructions to his son Solomon: "I am going the way of all
mankind. Take courage and be a man. Keep the mandate of the LORD,
your God, following his ways and observing his statutes, commands,
ordinances, and decrees as they are written in the law of Moses,
that you may succeed in whatever you do, wherever you turn, and
the LORD may fulfill the promise he made on my behalf when he
said, 'If your sons so conduct themselves that they remain
faithful to me with their whole heart and with their whole soul,
you shall always have someone of your line on the throne of
Israel.'" [1KGS 2:1-4]
And though the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet
and seer, "Give up your evil ways and keep my commandments
and statutes, in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined
on your fathers and which I sent you by my servants the
prophets," they did not listen, but were as stiff-necked as
their fathers, who had not believed in the LORD, their God. [2KGS
17:13-14]
You must be careful to observe forever the statutes and
regulations, the law and commandment, which he wrote for you, and
you must not venerate other gods. [2KGS 17:37]
"I will not in future allow Israel to be driven off the land I
gave their fathers, provided that they are careful to observe all
I have commanded them, the entire law which my servant Moses
enjoined upon them." [2KGS 21:8]
The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, "I
have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD."
Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. [2KGS 22:8]
When the king had heard the contents of the book of the law, he
tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest,
Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan,
and the king's servant Asaiah: "Go, consult the LORD for me,
for the people, for all Judah, about the stipulations of this book
that has been found, for the anger of the LORD has been set
furiously ablaze against us, because our fathers did not obey the
stipulations of this book, nor fulfill our written
obligations." [2KGS 22:11-13]
Further, Josiah did away with the consultation of ghosts and
spirits, with the household gods, idols, and all the other horrors
to be seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, so that he might
carry out the stipulations of the law written in the book that the
priest Hilkiah had found in the temple of the LORD. Before him there had been no king who turned to the LORD as he
did, with his whole heart, his whole soul, and his whole strength,
in accord with the entire law of Moses; nor could any after him
compare with him. [2KGS 23:24-25]
May the LORD give you prudence and discernment when he brings
you to rule over Israel, so that you keep the law of the LORD,
your God. [1CHRON 22:12]
Now, therefore, LORD, God of Israel, keep the further promise
you made to my father David, your servant, when you said, 'You
shall always have someone from your line to sit before me on the
throne of Israel, provided only that your descendants look to
their conduct so as always to live according to my law, even as
you have lived in my presence.' [2CHRON 6:16]
After Rehoboam had consolidated his rule and had become
powerful, he abandoned the law of the LORD, he and all Israel with
him. [2CHRON 12:1]
He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers,
and to observe the law and its commands. [2CHRON 14:3]
For a long time Israel had no true God, no priest-teacher and no law,
but when in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was present to them. [2CHRON
15:3-4]
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, for he walked in the ways his
father had pursued in the beginning, and he did not consult the
Baals. Rather, he sought the God of his father and observed his
commands, and not the practices of Israel. As a result, the LORD
made his kingdom secure, and all Judah gave Jehoshaphat gifts, so
that he enjoyed great wealth and glory. Thus he was encouraged to
follow the LORD'S ways, and again he removed the high places and
the sacred poles from Judah. In the third year of his reign he
sent his leading men, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and
Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. With them he sent the
Levites Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth,
Jehonathan, Adonijah and Tobijah, together with the priests
Elishama and Jehoram. They taught in Judah, having with them the
book containing the law of the LORD; they traveled through all the
cities of Judah and taught among the people. [2CHRON 17:3-9]
He also commanded the people living in Jerusalem to provide the
support of the priests and Levites, that they might devote
themselves entirely to the law of the LORD. [2CHRON 31:4]
Everything that he undertook, for the service of the house of
God or for the law and the commandments, was to do the will of his
God. He did this wholeheartedly, and he prospered. [2CHRON 31:21]
"I will not again allow Israel's feet to leave the land which I
assigned to your fathers, provided they are careful to observe all
that I commanded them, keeping the whole law and the statutes and
the ordinances given by Moses." [2CHRON 33:8]
The rest of the chronicle of Josiah, his pious deeds in regard
to what is written in the law of the LORD, and his acts, first and
last, can be found written in the book of the kings of Israel and
Judah. [2CHRON 35:26]
Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe, well-versed in
the law of Moses which was given by the LORD, the God of Israel.
Because the hand of the LORD, his God, was upon him, the king
granted him all that he requested. [Taken from EZRA 7:6]
Ezra had set his heart on the study and practice of the law of
the LORD and on teaching statutes and ordinances in Israel. [EZRA
7:10]
"As for you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your
God which is in your possession, appoint magistrates and judges to
administer justice to all the people in West-of-Euphrates, to all,
that is, who know the laws of your God. Instruct those who do not
know these laws." [EZRA 7:25]
Now when the seventh month came, the whole people gathered as
one man in the open space before the Water Gate, and they called
upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Moses
which the LORD prescribed for Israel. On the first day of the
seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before
the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children
old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place
that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from
daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and
those children old enough to understand; and all the people
listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood
on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion; at his
right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and
Maaseiah, and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum,
Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, Meshullam. Ezra opened the scroll so that
all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than
any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose.
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their
hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they
bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces
to the ground. Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. Then
(Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe
(and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the
people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad,
and do not weep"-for all the people were weeping as they
heard the words of the law. He said further: "Go, eat rich
foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had
nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be
saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your
strength!" [NEH 8:1-6,8-10]
On the second day, the family heads of the whole people and
also the priests and the Levites gathered around Ezra the scribe
and examined the words of the law more closely. They found it
written in the law prescribed by the LORD through Moses that the
Israelites must dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh
month; and that they should have this proclamation made throughout
their cities and in Jerusalem: "Go out into the hill country
and bring in branches of olive trees, oleasters, myrtle, palm, and
other leafy trees, to make booths, as the law prescribes."
The people went out and brought in branches with which they made
booths for themselves, on the roof of their houses, in their
courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the open
spaces of the Water Gate and the Gate of Ephraim. Thus the entire
assembly of the returned exiles made booths and dwelt in them. Now
the Israelites had done nothing of this sort from the days of
Jeshua, son of Nun, until this occasion; therefore there was very
great joy. Ezra read from the book of the law of God day after
day, from the first day to the last. They kept the feast for seven
days, and the solemn assembly on the eighth day, as was required.
[NEH 8:13-18]
On the twenty-fourth day of this month, the Israelites gathered
together fasting and in sackcloth, their heads covered with dust.
Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all who were
of foreign extraction, then stood forward and confessed their sins
and the guilty deeds of their fathers. When they had taken their
places, they read from the book of the law of the LORD their God,
for a fourth part of the day, and during another fourth part they
made their confession and prostrated themselves before the LORD
their God. [NEH 9:1-3]
On Mount Sinai you came down, you spoke with them from heaven;
You gave them just ordinances, firm laws, good statutes, and
commandments; Your holy sabbath you made known to them, commandments,
statutes, and law you prescribed for them, by the hand of Moses
your servant. [NEH 9:13-14]
"As soon as they had relief, they would go back to doing
evil in your sight. Then again you abandoned them to the power of
their enemies, who crushed them. Then they cried out to you, and
you heard them from heaven and delivered them according to your
mercy, many times over. You bore witness against them, in order to
bring them back to your law. But they were insolent and would not
obey your commandments; they sinned against your ordinances, from
which men draw life when they practice them. They turned stubborn
backs, stiffened their necks, and would not obey. You were patient
with them for many years, bearing witness against them through
your spirit, by means of your prophets; still they would not
listen. Thus you delivered them over into the power of the peoples
of the lands. Yet in your great mercy you did not completely
destroy them and you did not forsake them, for you are a kind and
merciful God." [NEH
9:28-31]
In all that has come upon us you have been just, for you kept faith while we have done evil. Yes, our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law; they paid no attention to your commandments and the obligations of which you reminded them.
[NEH 9:33-34]
The third tithe I gave to orphans and widows, and to converts
who were living with the Israelites. Every third year I would
bring them this offering, and we ate it in keeping with the decree
of the Mosaic law and the commands of Deborah, the mother of my
father Tobiel; for when my father died, he left me an orphan. [TOBIT
1:8]
Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus: "Dispersed among the
nations throughout the provinces of your kingdom, there is a
certain people living apart, with laws differing from those of
every other people. They do not obey the laws of the king, and so
it is not proper for the king to tolerate them." [ESTH 3:8]
But we find that the Jews, who were doomed to extinction by this archcriminal, are not evildoers, but rather are governed by very just laws and are the children of the Most High, the living God of majesty, who has maintained the kingdom in a flourishing condition for us and for our forebears. "You will do well, then, to ignore the letter sent by Haman, son of
Hammedatha, for he who composed it has been hanged, together with his entire household, before the gates of Susa. Thus swiftly has God, who governs all, brought just punishment upon him.
You shall exhibit a copy of this letter publicly in every place, to certify that the Jews may follow their own laws, and that you may help them on the day set for their ruin, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, to defend themselves against those who attack them. For God, the ruler of all, has turned that day for them from one of destruction of the chosen race into one of
joy." [ESTH
E:15-21]
In those days there appeared in Israel men who were breakers of
the law, and they seduced many people, saying: "Let us go and
make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we
separated from them, many evils have come upon us." [1MACC
1:11]
The king sent messengers with letters to Jerusalem and to the
cities of Judah, ordering them to follow customs foreign to their
land... so that they might forget the law and change all their
observances. Whoever refused to act according to the command of
the king should be put to death. Such were the orders he published
throughout his kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the
people... Many of the people, those who abandoned the law, joined
them and committed evil in the land. Israel was driven into
hiding, wherever places of refuge could be found. [Taken from 1MACC 1:44,49-53]
But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: "Although all the
Gentiles in the king's realm obey him, so that each forsakes the
religion of his fathers and consents to the king's orders, yet I
and my sons and my kinsmen will keep to the covenant of our
fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the law and the
commandments. We will not obey the words of the king nor depart
from our religion in the slightest degree."
[1MACC 2:19-22]
Thus he showed his zeal for the law, just as Phinehas did with
Zimri, son of Salu. Then Mattathias went through the city
shouting, "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who
stands by the covenant follow after me!" Thereupon he fled to
the mountains with his sons, leaving behind in the city all their
possessions. Many who sought to live according to righteousness
and religious custom went out into the desert to settle there [Taken
from 1MACC 2:26-29]
When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons:
"Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; it is a time of
disaster and violent anger. Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the
law and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers. Remember the deeds that our fathers did in their
times, and you shall win great glory and an everlasting name.
Was not Abraham found faithful in trial, and it was reputed
to him as uprightness? Joseph, when in distress, kept the
commandment, and he became master of Egypt. Phinehas our
father, for his burning zeal, received the covenant of an
everlasting priesthood. Joshua, for executing his commission,
became a judge in Israel. Caleb, for bearing witness before
the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, for
his piety, received as a heritage a throne of everlasting
royalty. Elijah, for his burning zeal for the law, was taken
up to heaven. Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael, for their
faith, were saved from the fire. Daniel, for his
innocence, was delivered from the jaws of lions. And so,
consider this from generation to generation, that none who
hope in him shall fail in strength. Do not fear the words of a
sinful man... Today he is exalted, and tomorrow he is not to be
found, because he has returned to his dust, and his
schemes have perished. Children! be courageous and strong in
keeping the law, for by it you shall be glorified." [Taken from 1MACC 2:49-64]
He then found that this exhausted the money in his treasury;
moreover the income from the province was small, because of the
dissension and distress he had brought upon the land by abolishing
the laws which had been in effect from of old. [1MACC 3:29]
Judas appointed men to attack those in the citadel, while he
purified the sanctuary. He chose blameless priests, devoted to the
law; these purified the sanctuary and carried away the stones of
the Abomination to an unclean place. [1MACC 4:41-43]
"Let us grant them freedom to live according to their own laws
as formerly; it was on account of their laws, which we abolished,
that they became angry and did all these things." [1MACC
6:59]
After the death of Judas, the transgressors of the law raised
their heads in every part of Israel, and all kinds of evildoers
appeared. [1MACC 9:23]
Only in Beth-zur did some remain of those who had abandoned the
law and the commandments, for they used it as a place of refuge.
[1MACC 10:14]
The land was at rest all the days of Simon, who sought the
good of his nation. His people were delighted with his
power and his magnificence throughout his reign... No one was
left to attack them in their land; the kings in those days
were crushed. He strengthened all the lowly among his
people and was zealous for the law; he suppressed all
the lawless and the wicked. He made the temple splendid and
enriched its equipment. [1MACC 14:4,13-15]
May he open your heart to his law and his commandments and
grant you peace. [2MACC 1:4]
You will find in the records, not only that Jeremiah the
prophet ordered the deportees to take some of the aforementioned
fire with them, but also that the prophet, in giving them the law,
admonished them not to forget the commandments of the Lord or be
led astray in their thoughts, when seeing the gold and silver
idols and their ornaments. With other similar words he urged them
not to let the law depart from their hearts. The same document
also tells how the prophet, following a divine revelation, ordered
that the tent and the ark should accompany him and how he went off
to the mountain which Moses climbed to see God's inheritance. [2MACC 2:1-4]
This is the story of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, of the
purification of the great temple, the dedication of the altar, the
campaigns against Antiochus Epiphanes and his son Eupator, and of
the heavenly manifestations accorded to the heroes who fought
bravely for Judaism, so that, few as they were, they seized the
whole land, put to flight the barbarian hordes, regained
possession of the world-famous temple, liberated the city, and
reestablished the laws that were in danger of being abolished,
while the Lord favored them with all his generous assistance. [2MACC 2:19-22]
While the holy city lived in perfect peace and the laws were
strictly observed because of the piety of the high priest Onias
and his hatred of evil, the kings themselves honored the Place and
glorified the temple with the most magnificent gifts. [2MACC 3:1-2]
Priests prostrated themselves in their priestly robes before
the altar, and loudly begged him in heaven who had given the law
about deposits to keep the deposits safe for those who had made
them. [2MACC 3:15]
It is no light matter to flout the laws of God, as the
following period will show. [2MACC 4:17]
In the space of three days, eighty thousand were lost, forty
thousand meeting a violent death, and the same number being sold
into slavery. Not satisfied with this, the king dared to enter the
holiest temple in the world; Menelaus, that traitor both to the
laws and to his country, served as guide. He laid his impure hands
on the sacred vessels and gathered up with profane hands the
votive offerings made by other kings for the advancement, the
glory, and the honor of the Place. Puffed up in spirit, Antiochus
did not realize that it was because of the sins of the city's
inhabitants that the Lord was angry for a little while and hence
disregarded the holy Place. [2MACC 5:14-17]
Not long after this the king sent an Athenian senator to force
the Jews to abandon the customs of their ancestors and live no
longer by the laws of God; also to profane the temple in Jerusalem
and dedicate it to Olympian Zeus, and that on Mount Gerizim to
Zeus the Hospitable, as the inhabitants of the place requested.
This intensified the evil in an intolerable and utterly disgusting
way. The Gentiles filled the temple with debauchery and revelry [Taken
from 2MACC 6:1-4]
But [Eleazar] made up his mind in a noble manner, worthy of his
years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of
his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from
childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to
the holy laws given by God. He told them to send him at once to
the abode of the dead, explaining: "At our age it would be
unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young men would think the
ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion. Should
I thus dissimulate for the sake of a brief moment of life, they
would be led astray by me, while I would bring shame and dishonor
on my old age. Even if, for the time being, I avoid the punishment
of men, I shall never, whether alive or dead, escape the hands of
the Almighty. Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will
prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a
noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the
revered and holy laws." He spoke thus, and went immediately
to the instrument of torture. [Taken from 2MACC 6:23-28]
At the point of death he said: "You accursed fiend, you
are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world
will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we
are dying." [2MACC 7:9]
He spoke these noble words: "It was from Heaven that I
received these; for the sake of his laws I disdain them; from him
I hope to receive them again." Even the king and his
attendants marveled at the young man's courage, because he
regarded his sufferings as nothing. After he had died, they
tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. [Taken from 2MACC 7:11-13]
"Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes
each man's beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything,
he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because
you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law." [2MACC 7:23]
"Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them." She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: "What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king's command. I obey the command of the law given to our forefathers through Moses." [2MACC 7:29-30]
Like my brothers, I offer up my body and my life for our
ancestral laws, imploring God to show mercy soon to our nation,
and by afflictions and blows to make you confess that he alone is
God. [2MACC 7:37]
But under the tunic of each of the dead they found amulets
sacred to the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbids the Jews to
wear. So it was clear to all that this was why these men had been
slain. They all therefore praised the ways of the Lord, the just
judge who brings to light the things that are hidden. Turning to
supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully
blotted out. The noble Judas warned the soldiers to keep
themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own eyes
what had happened because of the sin of those who had fallen. He
then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two
thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide
for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very
excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of
the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise
again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in
death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that
awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and
pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might
be freed from this sin. [2MACC 12:40-46]
The king was advancing, his mind full of savage plans for
inflicting on the Jews worse things than those they suffered in
his father's time. When Judas learned of this, he urged the people
to call upon the LORD night and day, to help them now, if ever,
when they were about to be deprived of their law, their country,
and their holy temple; and not to allow this nation, which had
just begun to revive, to be subjected again to blasphemous
Gentiles. When they had all joined in doing this, and had implored
the merciful LORD continuously with weeping and fasting and
prostrations for three days, Judas encouraged them and told them
to stand ready. [2MACC
13:9-12]
Leaving the outcome to the Creator of the world, and exhorting
his followers to fight nobly to death for the laws, the temple,
the city, the country, and the government, he pitched his camp
near Modein. [2MACC 13:14]
By encouraging them with words from the law and the prophets,
and by reminding them of the battles they had already won, he
filled them with fresh enthusiasm. [2MACC 15:9]
Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, Nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the LORD is their joy; God's law they study day and night. They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers. [PS 1:1-3]
From you let my vindication come; your eyes see what is right. You have tested my heart, searched it in the night. You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me. My mouth has not transgressed as humans often do. As your lips have instructed me, I have kept the way of the law. My steps have kept to your paths; my feet have not faltered.
[PS 17:2-5]
The LORD acknowledged my righteousness, rewarded my clean hands. For I kept the ways of the LORD; I was not disloyal to my God. His laws were all before me, his decrees I did not cast aside. I was honest toward him; I was on guard against sin. So the LORD rewarded my righteousness, the cleanness of my hands in his sight. [PS 18:21-25]
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.
[PS 19:8-9]
"To do your will is my delight; my God, your law is in my
heart!" [PS 40:9]
God set up a decree in Jacob, established a law in Israel: What he commanded our ancestors, they were to teach their children; That the next generation might come to know, children yet to be born. In turn they were to recite them to their children, that they too might put their trust in God, And not forget the works of God, keeping his commandments. They were not to be like their ancestors, a rebellious and defiant generation, A generation whose heart was not constant, whose spirit was not faithful to God, Like the ranks of Ephraimite archers, who retreated on the day of battle. They did not keep God's covenant; they refused to walk by his law. They forgot his works, the wondrous deeds he had shown them. [PS 78:5-11]
I will establish his dynasty forever, his throne as the
days of the heavens. If his descendants forsake my law, do
not follow my decrees, If they fail to observe my
statutes, do not keep my commandments, I will punish their
crime with a rod and their guilt with lashes. But I will not
take my love from him, nor will I betray my bond of loyalty.
I will not violate my covenant; the promise of my lips I will
not alter. By my holiness I swore once for all: I will never
be false to David. His dynasty will continue forever, his
throne, like the sun before me. [PS 89:30-37]
Can unjust judges be your allies, those who create burdens in the name of law, Those who conspire against the just and condemn the innocent to death? No, the LORD is my secure height, my God, the rock where I find refuge, Who will turn back their evil upon them and destroy them for their wickedness. [Taken from PS 94:20-23]
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who called on God's name; they called on the LORD, who answered them.
From the pillar of cloud God spoke to them; they kept the decrees, the law they received. [PS 99:6-7]
He split the rock and water gushed forth; it flowed
through the desert like a river. For he remembered his sacred
word to Abraham his servant. He brought his people out with
joy, his chosen ones with shouts of triumph. He gave them the
lands of the nations, the wealth of the peoples to own, That
they might keep his laws and observe his
teachings. Hallelujah! [PS 105:41-45]
Happy those whose way is blameless, who walk by the
teaching of the LORD. Happy those who observe God's
decrees, who seek the LORD with all their heart. They do no
wrong; they walk in God's ways. You have given them the
command to keep your precepts with care. May my ways be
firm in the observance of your laws! [PS 119:1-5]
I will keep your laws; do not leave me all alone. [PS 119:8]
How can the young walk without fault? Only by keeping your
words. With all my heart I seek you; do not let me stray from
your commands. In my heart I treasure your promise, that I
may not sin against you. Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me
your laws. With my lips I recite all the edicts you have
spoken. I find joy in the way of your decrees more than in
all riches. I will ponder your precepts and consider your paths.
In your laws I take delight; I will never forget your word. [PS 119:9-16]
Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant studies your laws. Your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
[PS 119:23-24]
I lie prostrate in the dust; give me life in accord with
your word. I disclosed my ways and you answered me; teach me
your laws. Make me understand the way of your precepts; I
will ponder your wondrous deeds. I weep in bitter pain; in
accord with your word to strengthen me. Lead me from the way of
deceit; favor me with your teaching. The way of loyalty I
have chosen; I have set your edicts before me. I cling to
your decrees, LORD; do not let me come to shame. I will run
the way of your commands, for you open my docile heart. [PS 119:25-32]
LORD, teach me the way of your laws; I shall observe them
with care. Give me insight to observe your teaching, to keep
it with all my heart. Lead me in the path of your
commands, for that is my delight. Direct my heart toward your
decrees and away from unjust gain. Avert my eyes from what is
worthless; by your way give me life. [PS 119:33-37]
I will speak openly of your decrees without fear even before kings.
I delight in your commands, which I dearly love. I lift up my hands to your commands; I study your laws, which I love. [PS 119:46-48]
Though the arrogant utterly scorn me, I do not turn from
your teaching. When I recite your edicts of old I am
comforted, LORD. Rage seizes me because of the wicked; they
forsake your teaching. Your laws become my songs wherever I
make my home. Even at night I remember your name in
observance of your teaching, LORD. This is my good
fortune, for I have observed your precepts. [PS 119:51-56]
The earth, LORD, is filled with your love; teach me your laws.
[PS 119:64]
You are good and do what is good; teach me your laws. [PS
119:68]
It was good for me to be afflicted, in order to learn your laws.
Teaching from your lips is more precious to me than heaps of silver and gold. [PS 119:71-72]
May I be wholehearted toward your laws, that I may not be put
to shame. [PS 119:80]
My heart is set on fulfilling your laws; they are my reward
forever. [PS 119:112]
Sustain me by your promise that I may live; do not disappoint me in my hope. Strengthen me that I may be safe, ever to contemplate your laws.
[PS 119:116-117]
You reject all who stray from your laws, for vain is their
deceit. [PS 119:118]
Act with kindness toward your servant; teach me your laws. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees. [PS 119:124-125]
Free me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Let your face shine upon your servant; teach me your laws. My eyes shed streams of tears because your teaching is not followed. [PS 119:134-136]
I call with all my heart, O LORD; answer me that I may observe your laws. I call to you to save me that I may keep your decrees.
[PS 119:145-146]
Salvation is far from sinners because they do not cherish your
laws. [PS 119:155]
May my lips pour forth your praise, because you teach me your laws. May my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commands are just.
[PS 119:171-172]
The LORD swore an oath to David, a pledge never to be broken:
"Your own offspring I will set upon your throne. If your sons observe my covenant, the laws I shall teach them, Their sons, in turn, shall sit forever on your throne." Yes, the LORD has chosen Zion, desired it for a dwelling: "This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I desire it." [PS 132:11-14]
The LORD also proclaims his word to Jacob, decrees and laws to Israel. God has not done this for other nations; of such laws they know nothing. Hallelujah! [PS 147:19-20]
He who keeps the law is a wise son, but the gluttons' companion
disgraces his father. [PROV 28:7]
When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his
prayer is an abomination. [PROV 28:9]
Without prophecy the people become demoralized; but happy is he
who keeps the law. [PROV 29:18]
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; strong drink is not for princes!
Lest in drinking they forget what the law decrees, and violate the rights of all who are in need. [PROV 31:4-5]
Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he
sets himself against our doings, Reproaches us for transgressions
of the law and charges us with violations of our training. [WISDOM
2:12]
Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the LORD
and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels! Because, though you were ministers of his kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, Terribly and swiftly shall he come against you, because judgment is stern for the
exalted - For the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. [WISDOM 6:2-6]
Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom, and she is readily
perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek
her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of
men's desire; he who watches for her at dawn shall not be
disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. For
taking thought of her is the perfection of prudence, and he
who for her sake keeps vigil shall quickly be free from care;
Because she makes her own rounds, seeking those worthy of
her, and graciously appears to them in the ways, and
meets them with all solicitude. For the first step toward
discipline is a very earnest desire for her; then, care
for discipline is love of her; love means the keeping of her
laws; To observe her laws is the basis for incorruptibility;
and incorruptibility makes one close to God; thus the desire for
Wisdom leads up to a kingdom. [WISDOM 6:12-20]
Give me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne, and reject me not from among your children; For I am your servant, the son of your handmaid, a man weak and short-lived and lacking in comprehension of judgment and of laws. Indeed, though one be perfect among the sons of men, if Wisdom, who comes from you, be not with him, he shall be held in no esteem. [WISDOM 9:4-6]
Then, in time, the impious practice gained strength and
was observed as law, and graven things were worshiped by
princely decrees. Men who lived so far away that they could not
honor him in his presence copied the appearance of the
distant king And made a public image of him they wished to
honor, out of zeal to flatter him when absent, as though
present. And to promote this observance among those to whom it
was strange, the artisan's ambition provided a stimulus.
For he, mayhap in his determination to please the
ruler, labored over the likeness to the best of his skill;
And the masses, drawn by the charm of the workmanship, soon
thought he should be worshiped who shortly before was honored
as a man. [WISDOM 14:16-20]
But as a warning, for a short time they were terrorized, though they had a sign of salvation, to remind them of the precept of your law.
For he who turned toward it was saved, not by what he saw, but by you, the savior of all. [WISDOM 16:6-7]
Instead of this, you furnished the flaming pillar which was a guide on the unknown way, and the mild sun for an honorable migration.
For those deserved to be deprived of light and imprisoned by darkness, who had kept your sons confined through whom the imperishable light of the law was to be given to the world.
[WISDOM 18:3-4]
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over
anew, serving its natural laws, that your children might be
preserved unharmed. [WISDOM 19:6]
Those who fear the LORD seek to please him, those who love him
are filled with his law. [SIRACH 2:16]
Contend not at law with a judge, for he will settle it
according to his whim. [SIRACH 8:14]
With the learned be intimate; let all your conversation be
about the law of the LORD. [SIRACH 9:15]
All flesh grows old, like a garment; the age-old law is: All
must die. [SIRACH 14:17]
He who is practiced in the
law will come to wisdom. [Taken from SIRACH 15:1]
He has set before them knowledge, a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them, his commandments he has revealed to them.
[SIRACH 17:9-10]
Admonish your neighbor before you break with him; thus will you
fulfill the law of the Most High. [SIRACH 19:16]
All wisdom is fear of the LORD; perfect wisdom is the
fulfillment of the law. [SIRACH 19:17]
There are those with little understanding who fear God, and
those of great intelligence who violate the law. [SIRACH 19:20]
He who keeps the law controls his impulses; he who is perfect
in fear of the LORD has wisdom. [SIRACH 21:11]
"Come to me, all you that yearn for me, and be filled with
my fruits; You will remember me as sweeter than honey, better
to have than the honeycomb. He who eats of me will hunger
still, he who drinks of me will thirst for more; He who obeys
me will not be put to shame, he who serves me will never
fail." All this is true of the book of the Most High's
covenant, the law which Moses commanded us as an
inheritance for the community of Jacob. [SIRACH 24:18-22]
He who studies the law masters it, but the hypocrite finds it a
trap. [SIRACH 32:15]
The sinner turns aside reproof and distorts the law to suit his
purpose. [SIRACH 32:17]
He who keeps the law preserves himself; and he who trusts in
the LORD shall not be put to shame. [SIRACH 32:24]
He who hates the law is without wisdom, and is tossed about
like a boat in a storm. [SIRACH 33:2]
The prudent man trusts in the word of the LORD, and the law is
dependable for him as a divine oracle. [SIRACH 33:3]
The law is fulfilled without fail, and perfect wisdom is found
in the mouth of the faithful man. [SIRACH 34:8]
To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering. [SIRACH 35:1]
How different the man who devotes himself to the study of the
law of the Most High! He explores the wisdom of the men of
old and occupies himself with the prophecies; He treasures
the discourses of famous men, and goes to the heart of
involved sayings; He studies obscure parables, and is busied
with the hidden meanings of the sages. He is in attendance on the
great, and has entrance to the ruler. He travels among the
peoples of foreign lands to learn what is good and evil among
men. His care is to seek the LORD, his Maker, to petition the
Most High, To open his lips in prayer, to ask pardon for
his sins. Then, if it pleases the LORD Almighty, he will
be filled with the spirit of understanding; He will pour
forth his words of wisdom and in prayer give thanks to the
LORD, Who will direct his knowledge and his counsel, as he
meditates upon his mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he
has learned and glory in the law of the LORD'S covenant. Many
will praise his understanding; his fame can never be
effaced; Unfading will be his memory, through all
generations his name will live; Peoples will speak of his
wisdom, and in assembly sing his praises. While he lives he
is one out of a thousand, and when he dies his renown will
not cease. [SIRACH 39:1-11]
Woe to you, O sinful men, who forsake the law of the Most High.
[SIRACH 41:8]
But of these things be not ashamed, lest you sin through
human respect: Of the law of the Most High and his
precepts, or of the sentence to be passed upon the sinful; Of
sharing the expenses of a business or a journey, or of
dividing an inheritance or property; Of accuracy of scales and
balances, or of tested measures and weights... Of
chastisement of the silly and the foolish, or of the aged and
infirm answering for wanton conduct. Thus you will be truly
cautious and recognized by all men as discreet. [SIRACH 42:1-4,8]
He permitted him to hear his voice, and led him into the cloud,
Where, face to face, he gave him the commandments, the law of life
and understanding, That he might teach his precepts to Jacob, his
judgments and decrees to Israel. [SIRACH 45:5]
He gave to him his laws, and authority to prescribe and to
judge: To teach the precepts to his people, and the ritual to the
descendants of Israel. [SIRACH 45:17]
Beloved of his people, dear to his Maker, dedicated from his
mother's womb, Consecrated to the LORD as a prophet, was
Samuel, the judge and priest. At God's word he established the kingdom and anointed princes to rule the people. By the law of the LORD he judged the nation, when he visited the encampments of Jacob. [SIRACH 46:13-14]
Except for David, Hezekiah and Josiah, they all were wicked;
They abandoned the Law of the Most High, these kings of Judah,
right to the very end. [SIRACH 49:4]
Therefore, as the tongue of fire licks up stubble, as dry grass
shrivels in the flame, Even so their root shall become rotten and
their blossom scatter like dust; For they have spurned the law of
the LORD of hosts, and scorned the word of the Holy One of Israel.
[ISA 5:24]
The earth is polluted because of its inhabitants, who have
transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the ancient covenant.
[ISA 24:5]
This is a rebellious people, deceitful children, Children who
refuse to obey the law of the LORD. [ISA 30:9]
Though it pleased the LORD in his justice to make his law
great and glorious, This is a people despoiled and
plundered, all of them trapped in holes, hidden away in
prisons. They are taken as booty, with no one to rescue
them, as spoil, with no one to demand their return. Who of
you gives ear to this? Who listens and pays heed for the time
to come? Who was it that gave Jacob to be plundered, Israel to the
despoilers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have
sinned? In his ways they refused to walk, his law they
disobeyed. So he poured out wrath upon them, his anger, and
the fury of battle; It blazed round about them, yet they did
not realize, it burned them, but they took it not to heart. [ISA 42:21-25]
Be attentive to me, my people; my folk, give ear to me. For law
shall go forth from my presence, and my judgment, as the light of
the peoples. [ISA 51:4]
They seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways, Like a
nation that has done what is just and not abandoned the law of
their God; They ask me to declare what is due them, pleased to
gain access to God. [ISA 58:2]
The priests asked not, "Where is the LORD?" Those who
dealt with the law knew me not: the shepherds rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after useless idols. [JER
2:8]
See, I bring evil upon this people, the fruit of their own
schemes, Because they heeded not my words, because they despised
my law. [JER 6:19]
How can you say, "We are wise, we have the law of the
LORD"? Why, that has been changed into falsehood by the lying
pen of the scribes! [JER 8:8]
Who is so wise that he can understand this? Let him to whom the mouth of the LORD has spoken make it known: Why is the land ravaged, scorched like a wasteland
untraversed? The LORD answered: Because they have abandoned my
law, which I set before them, and have not followed it or listened
to my voice, but followed rather the hardness of their hearts and
the Baals, as their fathers had taught them; therefore, thus says
the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: See now, I will give them
wormwood to eat and poison to drink. I will scatter them among
nations whom neither they nor their fathers have known; I will
send the sword to pursue them until I have completely destroyed
them. [JER 9:11-15]
Say to them: Thus says the LORD: If you disobey me, not living according to the law I placed before you and not listening to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send you constantly though you do not obey them, I will treat this house like Shiloh, and make this the city which all the nations of the earth shall refer to when cursing another.
[JER 26:4-6]
But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of
Israel after those days, says the LORD. I will place my law within
them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and
they shall be my people. [JER 31:33]
Thus says the LORD, He who gives the sun to light the
day, moon and stars to light the night; Who stirs up the
sea till its waves roar, whose name is LORD of hosts: If ever
these natural laws give way in spite of me, says the
LORD, Then shall the race of Israel cease as a nation
before me forever. Thus says the LORD: If the heavens on high
can be measured, or the foundations below the earth be
sounded, Then will I cast off the whole race of
Israel because of all they have done, says the LORD. [JER 31:35-37]
This land you gave them, as you had promised their fathers under oath, a land flowing with milk and honey. They entered and took possession of it, but they did not listen to your voice; by your law they did not live, and what you commanded they failed to do. Hence you let all these evils befall
them. [JER
32:22-23]
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