What is Torah?

Many believe that the Hebrew word "Torah" means "law." While it is used in some instances to mean that, a more correct interpretation is "teaching" or "instruction". It is most often used to refer to the five books of Moses, which are known in the west as the Pentateuch; the first five books of the Bible: Genesis (Bereshit), Exodus (Shemot), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bemidbar), and Deuteronomy (Devarim). These are the teachings and instructions that Yahweh gave to His people through Moses in order to provide a way of life that was honoring to Him and beneficial for them.

 

As the first five books of scripture, they also compose the foundation by which the rest of scripture is to be interpreted and the beginning of God's plan for His people. Many these days would like to interpret the Old Testament in light of the New Testament, but that is not the way the Bereans did it (Acts 17:11 ff.). They searched the Scriptures that had already been written and vetted (the Old Testament) to find out if the message that the Apostles were preaching was indeed true. Torah still serves this purpose for us today (a test of every doctrine to see if it is consistent with God's truth) and the purpose that it served the children of Israel (a guideline for us, through the power of the Holy Spirit and for His glory, not our salvation, to live by).

 

Torah is God's plan for us, and we are blessed when we take part in that plan. Shalom ve Chein (Peace and Grace)!