Information Related to "God's 'Laws, Statutes and Judgments'"
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When God organized the people of Israel into a nation under the Sinai Covenant, through the human leadership of Moses, He authorized an administrative system that included not only priests but also judges to keep them on the path of righteousness (Deuteronomy 1:16-17). These judges were to perform their assigned duties according to the laws, statutes and judgments that God would reveal to them, either directly (as with the Ten Commandments) or through His messengers.
Though a variety of terms are used in the Scriptures to describe God's instructions to His people and their officials, they usually are summarized under the three broad categories of "statutes and judgments and laws" (Leviticus 26:46, King James Version). These terms describe distinctions in the way God's instructions are viewed rather than their validity or importance. They all represent His will. All of them were to be respected and followed.
The Hebrew word translated "law" is torah. When used with the definite article (the law), it refers either to law in general or to some specific aspect of law. It often refers to the entire body of law that God gave to the people of Israel.
Torah also carries the broader meaning of "teachings," especially when used without the definite article. Sometimes, when used so broadly, the word even appears to imply the entire body of revealed instruction contained in the Old Testament scriptures.
The word "statutes" refers to a specific type of laws. As the English translation of the Hebrew words choq or chuqqah, the word "statute" refers to an authoritative enactment, decree or ordinance.
Related Information on UCG Sites:
God's law, Old Testament:
