The Law OF YHWH

The Torah, often misunderstood, is a profound expression of YHWH's love and wisdom. It is not a burden but a perfect guide for living a life aligned with His will. As the Psalms declare.

"For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law." - Proverbs 4:2

The Torah remains active and relevant, providing a framework for justice, love, and righteousness. It is a gift to His people, designed to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. Far from being outdated, the Torah is a timeless reflection of YHWH's character and His desire for His creation to live in harmony and holiness.

In a world where moral relativism often clouds judgment, the Torah stands as a beacon of truth and clarity. It is not merely a set of rules but a divine blueprint for a life of purpose and fulfillment. The Torah's instructions are rooted in love—love for YHWH and love for our neighbor. As Yashua emphasized, these two principles are the foundation upon which all other commandments rest.

Understanding the Torah's true nature helps us see it not as a list of restrictions but as a path to freedom and joy. It is through obedience to YHWH's commands that we experience the fullness of His blessings and the depth of His love. The Torah is not just for a bygone era; it is for today, guiding us in every aspect of our lives.

"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." "Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever." - Psalms 119:142,

The Myth of the 613 Laws:

A common misconception in Jewish tradition is the belief that there are exactly 613 commandments (mitzvot) in the Torah that every individual is required to follow. This number, often cited to emphasize the complexity or perceived burden of the Torah, is misleading. In reality, many of these commandments are specific to particular groups or circumstances and do not apply universally.

This idea of 613 commandments is, in many ways, a Jewish fable—a tradition that has been passed down but lacks a clear basis in the Torah itself.

For example, one of the so-called 613 commandments is the requirement to recite the Shema twice daily. However, the Torah does not explicitly command this. The verse often cited to support this tradition is:

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:7

While this verse encourages constant meditation on YHWH's commandments, it does not specify a requirement to recite the Shema twice a day. This is an example of how Jewish tradition has added to the Torah, creating obligations that are not explicitly stated in Scripture.

Yashua criticized such practices, saying:

"In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." - Mark 7:7

This highlights the importance of distinguishing between YHWH's commandments and human traditions. The Torah itself is perfect and complete, but adding to it can lead to unnecessary burdens and misunderstandings. By focusing on the commandments that truly apply to us and understanding their purpose, we can live in alignment with YHWH's will without being weighed down by man-made traditions.

For example, a significant portion of the Torah's laws pertains to the priests (kohenim), the high priest (kohen gadol), judges, kings, farmers, or those with specific conditions, such as lepers or women. Only a fraction of these commandments applies to every individual.

To put it into perspective, consider modern legal systems, which contain millions of laws. Not every law applies to every person—some are for specific professions, roles, or situations. Similarly, the Torah's commandments are tailored to different aspects of life and specific roles within the community.

This understanding helps clarify that the Torah is not an overwhelming burden but a structured and purposeful guide. YHWH, in His wisdom, provided instructions for every aspect of life, ensuring that each person, in their unique role, could live in alignment with His will.

The idea that all 613 laws apply to everyone is a misinterpretation that obscures the Torah's beauty and practicality. As Yashua taught, the essence of the Torah is love for YHWH and love for one's neighbor, and the specific commandments are expressions of these foundational principles.

"For this is the love of YHWH, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." - 1 John 5:3

Moreover, the Torah itself emphasizes that its commandments are not beyond our reach. They are given to guide us, not to overwhelm us. As it is written:

"For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it." - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

This passage reminds us that YHWH's instructions are accessible and designed to be lived out in our daily lives. The Torah is not a distant, unattainable ideal but a practical guide that brings us closer to YHWH and to one another. By understanding the specific applicability of the commandments, we can better appreciate their purpose and live in accordance with His will.

Comparison to Modern Legal Systems:

Just as the Torah's commandments are specific to different groups and situations, modern legal systems also contain millions of laws that do not apply universally. For instance, tax laws, business regulations, and professional licensing requirements are tailored to specific roles and circumstances. Not every law is relevant to every individual, and this specificity is necessary for maintaining order and justice in a complex society.

Similarly, the Torah's commandments are designed to address various aspects of life, from worship and community relations to agriculture and personal conduct. This structured approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their role or situation, has guidance on how to live righteously.

The Torah's laws are not a one-size-fits-all burden but a comprehensive system that reflects YHWH's wisdom and care for His creation.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of YHWH, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of YHWH may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This verse underscores the purpose of YHWH's instructions: to equip us for righteous living. Just as modern laws aim to create a functioning society, the Torah's commandments guide us in living a life that honors YHWH and benefits our community. Understanding this parallel helps us see the Torah not as an archaic set of rules but as a timeless and practical guide for righteous living.

Yet, it is ironic that many people willingly adhere to tens of thousands of worldly laws—tax codes, traffic regulations, workplace rules—without complaint, but then resist or dismiss the few divine commandments given by YHWH. If we can navigate the complexities of modern legal systems, why do we struggle with the straightforward and life-giving instructions of the Torah?

The Torah is not a burden but a gift, designed to bring us closer to YHWH and to one another. As Yashua said:

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." - John 14:15

Let us not be quick to follow man-made laws while neglecting the eternal and perfect laws of our Creator. The Torah is a reflection of His love and wisdom, and by keeping it, we demonstrate our love for Him and our commitment to living a life of righteousness.

The Ten Commandments: The Foundation of Love

The Ten Commandments, given by YHWH at Mount Sinai, serve as the foundational principles of the Torah. They are not isolated rules but are deeply connected to the two greatest commandments: loving YHWH with all our heart, soul, and might, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Yashua Himself emphasized this connection when He said:

"You shall love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 22:37-40

Note carefully: Yashua doesn't say these are the only commandments or that others are abolished. He says the WHOLE Law and Prophets hang (κρέμαται - krematai: "hang, depend on") on these two.

They are like the root from which the entire tree of Torah grows. Every single commandment is a practical expression of these two fundamental principles.

The first four commandments focus on our relationship with YHWH, teaching us how to express our love and devotion to Him:

No other gods before Me – Exclusivity in worship.
No graven images – Rejecting idolatry.
Do not take YHWH's name in vain – Honoring His name.
Remember the Sabbath – Setting aside time for Him.

The remaining six commandments guide our interactions with others, showing us how to live in harmony and love:

Honor your parents – Respecting authority and family.
Do not murder – Valuing life.
Do not commit adultery – Upholding marital fidelity.
Do not steal – Respecting others' property.
Do not bear false witness – Promoting truth and justice.
Do not covet – Cultivating contentment.

Each commandment flows from the two greatest principles of love. For example, honoring the Sabbath (Commandment 4) is an act of love toward YHWH, while not stealing (Commandment 8) is an act of love toward our neighbor. The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary rules but practical expressions of love that reflect YHWH's character and His desire for our well-being.

"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." - Romans 13:10

By understanding the Ten Commandments through the lens of love, we see them not as restrictions but as a roadmap for living in alignment with YHWH's will. They teach us how to love Him wholeheartedly and to treat others with justice, kindness, and respect. In this way, the Ten Commandments remain the cornerstone of a life rooted in Torah and guided by love.

The Torah is Not a Yoke, but a Path to Express Love and Righteousness

The Torah is not a burden, nor a relic of the past—it is the heartbeat of YHWH’s wisdom, a guide that illuminates the path of righteousness. It does not chain us; it frees us to walk in harmony with our Creator’s will. As the Psalmist proclaims:

"The Torah of YHWH is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple." - Psalm 19:7

Yet, it is crucial to understand that the Torah is not a means of salvation. Salvation comes only through faith in YHWH and the redemptive work of Yashua Ha'Mashiach. The Torah serves as a guide for righteous living, but it cannot save us. As Yashua warned:

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" - Matthew 7:21-23

Here, Yashua highlights the danger of lawlessness (anomia—rejecting or ignoring YHWH's Torah). While salvation is by grace through faith, true faith manifests in obedience to YHWH's commandments.

The Torah is not a tool for earning salvation but a reflection of a heart transformed by YHWH's love. As James writes:

"Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:17

In summary, the Torah is a beautiful expression of YHWH's love and wisdom, guiding us to live in righteousness and harmony with Him and others. It is not a burden but a joy for those who love Him. However, let us never fall into the trap of thinking that keeping the Torah earns us salvation. Salvation is a gift of grace, but obedience to YHWH's commandments is the natural response of a heart that truly loves Him. As John said: