The Study of Torah is both simple and complex. The simple aspect is you read it and whatever it says that you do or do not do, you do or do not do. Simple. The complex aspect is that it has been the subject debate in everything from religious institutions to scientific communities. You can read the command that says that you are not to eat pork (Lev. 11:7) and simply comply “because it is written” and someone will inevitably come along with counter-arguments from Yeshua, Acts, and Paul’s writings stating that everything is now “clean” (Mark 7, Acts 10, Rom. 14, 1 Cor. 10, etc.).
Eventually, these studies will address these issues. However, the point for now is to introduce you to what in Hebrew is known as “The Torah.”
Instructions
The Hebrew word Torah means instructions. It can mean “Law” and is translated as such numerous times in the KJV, NIV, and other versions. However, translating the word as “instructions” is more appropriate in most cases.
Merriam-Webster defines Law as a rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority. It is a body of rules and principles governing the affairs of a community and enforced by a political authority; a legal system. This is true in several parts of the Torah where we see such things as the punishment for a crime being carried out (theft, rape, murder, etc.) and for special events to take place throughout the year (Shabbat, Appointed Times/Feasts, etc.).
However, within each section/portion, we often see sets of instructions for each topic whether it is acceptable food and diet practices or building holy items and structures. Deeper than this, however, is that the Torah is meant for the purpose of loving Yehovah and loving others.
“’You are to love Yehovah your Elohim (God) with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ This is the greatest and most important mitzvah (command). And a second is similar to it, ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’ All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two mitzvot.”
Matthew 22:37-40
When Yeshua spoke this, he was quoting what is already written within the Torah in Deut. 6:5 and Lev. 19:18.
Consider the imagery of two hands holding a single rope in the center with the each end hanging down to the ground on each side. On one side is the command to love Yehovah and under it is every command or instruction related to loving Him:
1. Have no other gods.
2. Do not take the name of Yehovah in vain.
3. Remember the Sabbath to keep it set-apart (which could also be considered loving your neighbor as yourself).
Etc.
In the other hand is the command to love your neighbor as yourself and underneath every command or instruction related to loving others:
1. Do not murder.
2. Do not commit adultery.
3. Do not steal.
Etc.
While these examples are taken from the first 10 Commandments, many other instructions are found within the five books that make up the entirety of the Torah. However, this will be gone over at the time of those passages further along in the Torah Studies.
Perhaps now you may see that, in essence, the Torah was given as instructions for our lives to love Elohim and to love others as ourselves. It’s important to also note the wording “as ourselves” because we should take care of ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically in order to best serve Yah and others. If you take care of yourself properly, then you will understand how to take care of others.
Where Torah is from
Moses (Heb. Moshe) is credited for being the one who wrote down the entirety of the Torah. There are a few moments, such as the recording of his death and burial, that could be understood to have been written by his protégé Joshua (Yehoshua), however, as we see from Exodus to Deuteronomy, it is Moses who received the Torah at Sinai and various other instructions and Commands during his time in the 40 year wilderness experience.
In the book of Acts, he is also understood to be the author seeing as it is often when referring to the Torah, it is interchangeable with it’s authorship, Moses. An excellent example is Acts 15 (a pivotal section in regards to the Torah’s continued relevance in modern/post-resurrection times).
“For from the earliest times, Moshe has had in every city those who proclaim him, with his words being read in the synagogues every Shabbat.”
Acts 15:21
However, it is vitally important to understand that Moses is not the one who invented the Torah. He wrote as he was inspired, or, as Yehovah gave him revelation. Consider the creation account; Moses was not there. Neither was Adam, for that matter (who was not created until the sixth day). Someone who was there would have to explain the creation, therefore, the revelation must come from Elohim.
Another possibility is that Adam was told about the days prior to his own creation and the account was passed down from generation to generation, however, this is unlikely because the Torah is understood to be an inspired work, meaning, it would have to come directly from the Almighty Himself.
I believe it is also important to understand that Moses did not just sit down one day and start writing until he had five books worth of material. He received revelation and instruction during the 40 year period in the wilderness as it became relevant. If you consider that at the beginning (at Sinai), the first 10 Commandments were given. Then, some time later in Numbers 15, someone had violated the Sabbath command and further instructions were given for Israel to wear tassels on the borders of their garments “so that you may remember all the commandments of Yehovah.”
Other instructions are also given as issues arose; more on this will be covered in later studies.
Further learning
While this is a collection of instructions, the Torah is also a historical work. As discussed, there is the account of the creation of all things, but then there is documented the first sin and fall of mankind, the flood, the rise and fall of nations, the establishment of a people claimed unto Yah Himself, the enslavement of the Hebrew people, then the giving of the Torah all the way to the end of their time in the wilderness. It is a narrative with instruction.
Like with the Prophets and other writings within Scripture, it is not an exhaustive historical account. It is what I would refer to as a prophetic historical account; that is, only what is relevant to Elohim, His people, and His Will (on earth and in Heaven).
The Takeaway
The study of Torah is the foundation of our faith. Whether you believe that Yeshua is the Messiah or that the Messiah has yet to come, the Torah is nonetheless the very foundation of all we believe and strive to be. Within it, we are able to see the Almighty’s will in various other historic events as well as in modern times. Because He is recorded to have said what He has within Torah, when something happens (i.e. world events, catastrophes, etc.), you can often understand and see His influence in the midst of them.
Furthermore, these instructions give us a layout on how we are to conduct ourselves before God and others. It is how we love Him, through obedience, and how we love others as ourselves. It teaches us health, wealth, common sense, and priorities. Even within today’s Judicial system, you can see the influence in the Torah even though there is a level of corruption added upon it. We see the very principles and foundations of what we understand to be Justice, Righteousness, and Fairness. And when a crime is committed, we are taught the appropriate response to it
This study into Torah will go over these truths for our own understanding of things past and present and for the glory of Yehovah El-Shaddai. Though an ancient work, it is still very relevant today and we will also see how these things are applicable and beneficial in our everyday lives.