 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
We need first to get acquainted with the term used in the Jewish Scriptures for the non-Jew: "stranger."
Strong's Concordance defines "stranger" :1616 ger (gare); or (fully) geyr (gare); from 1481; properly, a guest; by implication, a foreigner: KJV-- alien, sojourner, stranger.
Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Lexicon defines "stranger": 1616 ger or (fully) geyr- sojourner
In order to understand what comes next it would be important to begin to look for a "pattern" in the verses that follow not only in this article but the rest in this series as you will come to see that God included the non-Jews in the giving of the Torah. The reason for this is simple; before Moses gave the Jewish people the Torah God had given by revelation the Torah to the non-Jew and we find that Joshua and others presented the Torah and opportunity to enter the Covenant to the non-Jew throughout the history of Israel.
This pattern can be found not only in the Jewish Old Testament Scriptures but the New Testament as well. Having seen this then one has to wonder how we lost and deviated from such a pattern which was established in antiquity by God to the point where we have lost such obedience and observance today. One would have to ask Rome that question.
Leviticus 24
You need to re-read that verse above and let the implications of it sink in into your mind and spirit.
Joshua 8
32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. (KJV) Josh 8:32-35 32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 33 And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them. (KJV)
Answer for yourself: Did you notice that non-Jews were a part of not only the reading of the Laws of God but also this Covenant renewal? By now you should understand that this "one manner of Law for all" from Leviticus 24 is to be understood in that the non-Jews who heard Joshua read the Laws understood that within the reading of these Laws that certain Laws pertained to them and certain others did not. Regardless the non-Jew is seen re-affirming his Covenant and commitment to God and His Commandments as part of his Covenant. These Laws are called "Torah" or the instruction of God.
2 Samuel 22
Psalms 18
Psalms 119
Answer for yourself: Did you notice the yearning of the non-Jew to learn the Commandments of God? By now you should be understanding that one's Covenant with God is framed by Laws and Commandments that when kept bring not only one's right-standing with God but acceptance by Him as well.
1 Peter 2
Acts 28
It sure looks to me that not only in the Old Testament but the New Testament as well, and even long after Jesus' death, that non-Jews were still taught the Laws and Commandments of God. Why? Because these frame his Covenant with God and assure when obeyed his acceptance with God.