Today we will begin a
new study, and we will start from the beginning: Genesis.
The book of Genesis is
a part of the Torah or Pentateuch.
Before we begin with
the study of Genesis, we will begin with a brief introduction of what the Torah
is. This is not a word recognized by many, because we have detached ourselves
from the Hebrew roots of the Bible. But the time has come for us to come back
to the origin and to begin studying this part of the Word of God that is
fundamental to our faith and has been neglected for so long by the Christian
world. The Torah is not only for the Jews, but for everyone who believes in the
God of Israel, YHVH, and in his Son Jesus Christ (heb. Yeshua).
The Torah is what we
commonly call the “Pentateuch”. This
is the foundation of the Bible, and it is formed by five books of the Bible:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. In Hebrew, the names of
these books come from the first words of each book:
Genesis (heb. Bereshit ) lit. “in the beginning”
Exodus (heb. Shemot ) lit. “these are the
names”
Leviticus (heb. Vayikra ) lit. “He called”
Numbers (heb. Bamidbar
) lit. “in the desert”
Deuteronomy (heb. Devarim
) lit. “these are the words”
MEANING OF “TORAH”
As we mentioned
before, Torah is the name given to
the first five books of the Bible, just as God dictated them to Moses. Many
describe the Torah as “Law”, but it is much more than that. The word TORAH
comes from the Hebrew root “Yarah” which has several meanings:
a. “to teach, to point out, to
establish a foundation”
The Torah is the
teaching, the instruction and direction which God gave to His People, not only
to the Israelites of old, but to all generations.
(Romans 15:4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our
instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the
Scriptures we might have hope.
The Torah is the
Instruction Manual that the Creator gave us, to teach us how to live better,
according to His established order.
(Psalms 119:73) Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me
understanding that I may learn your commandments.
More than a legal
code, the Torah is a moral guide that communicates God’s own heart to us, the
expression of God’s own mind. It doesn’t only speak to us about His righteousness
(Law), but also about his mercy (Grace).
b. “rain, life-giving water”
The word “Torah” comes
from the Hebrew root “Yarah”, which may also be translated
as “rain”.
(Isaiah 55:10-11) For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do
not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving
seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out
from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that
which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (See also 1 Kings 8:35-43)
The Torah is the Word
of God that feeds us and gives us life.
c. “hit
the target”
The Torah gives us
direction, to hit the mark and not depart from the Good Path.
(II Samuel
22:31-33) This God--his way is perfect; the word of the
LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who
is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong
refuge and has made my way blameless.
(See also Psalms 18:32)
(Proverbs 3:5-8) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on
your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away
from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
As a contrast, the
word “sin” means “miss the target”; that is, to depart from the path established
by God.
(Proverbs 14:12) There is a way
that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Did Jesus come to do
away with the Torah and the Old Testament?
(Matthew 5:17-19) Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the
Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say
to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass
from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the
least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called
least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be
called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The Torah is ETERNAL.
It did not vanish with the death of Jesus. He is the Torah made flesh. God does
not change his mind, because He is never wrong.
La Torá es
ETERNA. No desapareció con la muerte de Jesús. Él es la Torá hecha carne. Dios no cambió de opinión, pues Él no se equivoca.
(Isaiah 40:8) The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our
God will stand FOREVER.
The word “Torah”
appears 219 times in the Old Testament, because it is a Hebrew word. But it
also appears 197 times in the New Testament, translated as “law” (in Greek the
word “Nomos” is used, it means written Word).
What is the importance
the Torah has for us? David tells us of the effect of the Torah on those who
read it and keep it.
(Psalms
19:7-8,10)
The law [Torah]
of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the
simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the
commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…
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