Outline of the Law of Moses
The Law of Moses, also called the Torah or the Pentateuch, forms the foundation of the Hebrew Bible and the entire biblical storyline. It establishes Israel’s identity as God’s covenant people and provides the framework for worship, ethics, community, and national life.
The Law appears primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, while the narrative begins in Genesis. These books combine history, legal instruction, and covenantal theology, forming a unified story that shaped Israel for centuries.
The Law of Moses is divided into three main categories:
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The moral law, which includes the Ten Commandments and other ethical principles guiding personal conduct and relationships.
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The ceremonial law, which encompasses rituals, sacrifices, and regulations concerning religious observances and the priesthood.
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The civil law, which governs matters such as property rights, marriage and family relations, and criminal justice.
Exodus — Covenant and Foundation of the Law
Exodus tells the story of God stepping into Israel’s suffering and bringing them out of Egypt with a mighty hand. At Sinai, He forms a covenant with them and teaches them how to live as His people. The building of the Tabernacle shows God’s desire to dwell among them—not far off, but right in the center of their camp. Exodus gives us the foundation for understanding worship, redemption, and the kind of relationship God intended for Israel.
Israel in Egypt:
Exodus 1–6
These chapters describe Israel’s growth in Egypt, their oppression under Pharaoh, and God’s call of Moses. Key themes include God’s covenant faithfulness, the rise of Moses as a leader, and the promise of deliverance.
Covenant and Law at Mount Sinai:
Exodus 19–24
Here God establishes His covenant with Israel. The Ten Commandments and foundational laws are given. The people formally agree to the covenant and promise to obey all that the Lord has spoken. Yet soon after, Israel breaks this agreement, showing how quickly the human heart can turn away. Even so, God renews the covenant, revealing His faithfulness.
Instructions for the Tabernacle:
Exodus 25–31
These chapters provide detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, the Ark, the altar, the priestly garments, and other holy objects. The structure and design show the order and holiness of Israel’s worship.
Israel’s Failure and Covenant Renewal:
Exodus 32–34
Israel’s sin with the golden calf interrupts the covenant, but God renews the relationship through mercy and disciplined correction. This section explains the seriousness of idolatry and the need for covenant loyalty.
Construction of the Tabernacle:
Exodus 35–40
1. Israel in Egypt ( 1:1–2:25 )
2. God's Deliverance of Israel ( 3:1–18:27 )
3. The Covenant at Sinai ( 19:1–24:18 )
a. God and Israel Meet at Mount Sinai ( 19:1–25 )
b. The Ten Commandments ( 20:1–17 )
c. Moses Mediates Between God and Israel ( 20:18–21 )
d. The Book of the Covenant ( 20:22–23:33 )
i. Idolatry Forbidden ( 20:22–26 )
ii. Legal Prescriptions ( 21:1–22:15 )
1. Hebrew Servants ( 21:1–11 )
2. Personal Injury Law ( 21:12–36 )
3. Property Laws ( 22:1–15 )
iii. Religious, Moral, and Cultic Instructions ( 22:16–23:19 )
1. Laws of Social Responsibility ( 22:16–31 )
2. Justice and Mercy ( 23:1–9 )
3. Sabbath Laws ( 23:10–13 )
4. The Three Feasts of Pilgrimage ( 23:14–19 )
iv. Epilogue ( 23:20–33 )
e. The Covenant Sealed ( 24:1–18 )
4. The Wilderness Tabernacle ( 25:1–40:38 )
a. The Instructions for the Tabernacle ( 25:1–31:18 )
i. The Collection of Materials ( 25:1–9 )
ii. Furnishings for the Tabernacle ( 25:10–40 )
1. The Ark of the Covenant ( 25:10–16 )
2. The Mercy Seat ( 25:17–22 )
3. The Table of Showbread ( 25:23–30 )
4. The Lampstand ( 25:31–40 )
iii. The Tabernacle and Its Courtyard ( 26:1–27:21 )
1. Curtains and Frames for the Tabernacle ( 26:1–37 )
2. The Bronze Altar ( 27:1–8 )
3. Curtains and Posts for the Courtyard ( 27:9–19 )
4. Oil for the Lamps ( 27:20–21 )
iv. The Tabernacle’s Personnel ( 28:1–29:46 )
1. The Aaronic Priesthood ( 28:1–5 )
2. The Priestly Garments ( 28:6–43 )
3. Consecration of the Priests ( 29:1–46 )
v. Other Elements in the Tabernacle ( 30:1–38 )
1. The Altar of Incense ( 30:1–10 )
2. The Census ( 30:11–16 )
3. The Bronze Basin ( 30:17–21 )
4. The Anointing Oil ( 30:22–33 )
5. The Incense ( 30:34–38 )
vi. Bezalel and Oholiab ( 31:1–11 )
vii. Observance of the Sabbath ( 31:12–18 )
b. Israel Rebels ( 32:1–34:35 )
i. The Golden Calf ( 32:1–29 )
ii. Moses Intercedes for the People ( 32:30–35 )
iii. God’s Presence and the Israelites ( 33:1–23 )
iv. The Second Set of Tablets ( 34:1–9 )
v. God Renews the Covenant ( 34:10–35 )
c. The Construction of the Tabernacle ( 35:1–40:38 )
i. The Sabbath Established ( 35:1–3 )
ii. The Collection of Materials ( 35:4–29 )
iii. Bezalel and Oholiab ( 35:30–36:7 )
iv. Curtains and Frames for the Tabernacle ( 36:8–38 )
v. Furnishings for the Tabernacle ( 37:1–29 )
1. The Ark of the Covenant ( 37:1–5 )
2. The Mercy Seat ( 37:6–9 )
3. The Table of Showbread ( 37:10–16 )
4. The Lampstand ( 37:17–24 )
5. The Altar of Incense ( 37:25–29 )
vi. The Courtyard ( 38:1–20 )
1. The Bronze Altar ( 38:1–7 )
2. The Bronze Basin ( 38:8 )
3. Curtains and Posts for the Courtyard ( 38:9–20 )
vii. Inventory of Materials ( 38:21–31 )
viii. The Priestly Garments ( 39:1–31 )
ix. Moses Approves the Work ( 39:32–43 )
x. The Inauguration of the Tabernacle ( 40:1–33 )
xi. God’s Presence Fills the Tabernacle ( 40:34–38 )
The Plagues and the Exodus:
Exodus 7–18
This section records the ten plagues, the confrontation with Pharaoh, the Passover, and Israel’s departure from Egypt. It highlights God’s power, judgment, and protection. The journey to Sinai follows, including early challenges and God’s provision.
The book concludes with the actual building of the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions. When it is completed, God’s presence fills the sanctuary, marking the beginning of Israel’s organized worship life.
Leviticus — Holiness and Worship
Leviticus often feels foreign to modern readers, but for ancient Israel it answered a simple question: How can a holy God live among an ordinary people? Through sacrifices, priestly duties, clean and unclean laws, and sacred festivals, God shaped Israel’s worship and daily life. These patterns created a rhythm—teaching the people to live attentively, thankfully, and in constant awareness of God’s presence.
Laws of Sacrifice:
Leviticus 1–7
This section explains the main offerings: burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings. Each has a specific role in worship, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and maintaining covenant relationship.
The Priesthood:
Leviticus 8–10
These chapters describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons, the beginning of their ministry, and the responsibilities of the priests. It emphasizes the importance of correct worship.
Laws of Purity:
Leviticus 11–15
Clean and unclean conditions are defined, covering food laws, childbirth, skin diseases, and bodily discharges. These regulations protected the community and preserved the holiness of the sanctuary.
The Day of Atonement:
Leviticus 16
This central chapter outlines the annual ceremony in which the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the nation.
The Holiness Code:
Leviticus 17–22
These chapters give ethical and ritual instructions that set Israel apart. Topics include proper worship, moral behavior, community justice, priestly conduct, and respect for sacred things.
1. The Five Major Offerings ( 1:1–7:38 )
a. Laws for the People ( 1:1–6:7 )
i. The Burnt Offering ( 1:1–17 )
ii. The Grain Offering ( 2:1–16 )
iii. The Peace Offering ( 3:1–17 )
iv. The Sin Offering ( 4:1–5:13 )
v. The Guilt Offering ( 5:14–6:7 )
b. Laws for the Aaronic Priesthood ( 6:8–7:38 )
i. The Burnt Offering ( 6:8–13 )
ii. The Grain Offering ( 6:14–23 )
iii. The Sin Offering ( 6:24–30 )
iv. The Guilt Offering ( 7:1–10 )
v. The Peace Offering ( 7:11–36 )
vi. Conclusion of Offerings ( 7:37–38 )
2. The Aaronic Priesthood ( 8:1–10:20 )
a. Moses Consecrates Aaron and His Sons ( 8:1–36 )
b. First Service of Aaron ( 9:1–24 )
c. Nadab and Abihu ( 10:1–20 )
i. Sin of Nadab and Abihu ( 10:1–7 )
ii. Restrictions for Priests ( 10:8–20 )
3. Uncleanness and Purification ( 11:1–15:33 )
a. Clean and Unclean Animals ( 11:1–47 )
b. Purification after Childbirth ( 12:1–8 )
c. Laws of Tzaraath ( 13:1–14:57 )
i. Skin Disease ( 13:1–46 )
ii. Mildew ( 13:47–59 )
iii. Cleansing of Skin Disease ( 14:1–32 )
iv. Cleansing of Mildew ( 14:33–57 )
d. Unclean Discharges ( 15:1–33 )
i. Men ( 15:1–18 )
1. Uncleanness ( 15:1–12 )
2. Cleansing ( 15:13–18 )
ii. Women ( 15:19–33 )
1. Uncleanness ( 15:19–27 )
2. Cleansing ( 15:28–33 )
4. The Day of Atonement ( 16:1–17:16 )
a. Purification of the Priesthood ( 16:1–15 )
b. Purification of the Tabernacle ( 16:16–19 )
c. Purification of the Nation ( 16:20–28 )
d. Laws for Annual Day of Atonement ( 16:29–34 )
e. The Place of Sacrifice ( 17:1–9 )
f. The Life is in the Blood ( 17:10–16 )
5. Laws for Holy Living ( 18:1–20:27 )
a. Unlawful Sexual Relations ( 18:1–30 )
b. Commandments for Holiness ( 19:1–37 )
c. Punishments for Disobedience ( 20:1–27 )
i. Capital Offenses ( 20:1–9 )
ii. Punishments for Sexual Immorality ( 20:10–21 )
iii. Distinguish Between Clean and Unclean ( 20:22–27 )
6. Holiness Required of Priests ( 21:1–22:33 )
a. Requirements for Priests ( 21–22:16 )
i. Behavioral Requirements ( 21:1–15 )
ii. Physical Requirements ( 21:16–24 )
iii. Restrictions against Uncleanness ( 22:1–16 )
b. Requirements for the Offerings ( 22:17–33 )
7. The Biblical Calendar ( 23:1–25:55 )
a. The Festivals ( 23:1–44 )
i. The Sabbath ( 23:1–3 )
ii. Passover ( 23:4–5 )
iii. The Feast of Unleavened Bread ( 23:6–8 )
iv. The Feast of Firstfruits ( 23:9–14 )
v. The Feast of Weeks ( 23:15–22 )
vi. The Feast of Trumpets ( 23:23–25 )
vii. The Day of Atonement ( 23:26–32 )
viii. The Feast of Tabernacles ( 23:33–44 )
b. The Tabernacle ( 24:1–9 )
i. The Oil for the Lamps ( 24:1–4 )
ii. The Showbread ( 24:5–9 )
c. Blasphemy of the Name ( 24:10–23 )
d. The Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee ( 25:1–55 )
8. Epilogue ( 26:1–27:34 )
i. Blessings of Obedience ( 26:1–13 )
ii. Punishments for Disobedience ( 26:14–39 )
iii. Repentance ( 26:40–46 )
iv. Voluntary Contributions ( 27:1–34 )
Appointed Times:
Leviticus 23–25
This section details Israel’s festivals and sabbatical rhythms: Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles, the Sabbatical Year, and the Year of Jubilee.
Blessings, Curses, and Vows:
Leviticus 26–27
The book ends with covenant promises and warnings, followed by instructions about vows and dedicated things.
Numbers — Law in Daily Life
Numbers follows Israel as they leave Sinai and begin their long journey through the wilderness. Along the way, God teaches them how to live out the covenant in real conditions — facing fear, learning trust, and discovering that obedience is a daily practice, not just a moment at the mountain.
The community is organized, leaders are appointed, and the priestly blessing — “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24–26) — becomes a constant reminder of God’s care. Though Israel struggles, God continues to guide, provide, and shape them into a people ready for the land He promised.
Census and Camp Arrangement:
Numbers 1–4
Israel is counted and organized for travel. The tribes receive their positions around the Tabernacle, and the Levite clans are assigned their duties.
Purity, Dedication, and Blessing:
Numbers 5–6
Laws are given to maintain purity and order within the camp, shaping how Israel lives as a people set apart. The Nazirite vow provides a way for individuals to dedicate themselves wholly to God for a period of special devotion. While Scripture does not say whether Jesus took such a vow, His life reflects its core purpose — complete consecration to God’s will (John 17:19).
In the same section, God gives Moses the Aaronic Blessing — a prayer spoken over the people that expresses God’s protection, favor, and peace:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His face toward you and give you peace.”
(Numbers 6:24–26)
These instructions and this blessing remind Israel that holiness is not only about obedience but also about living under God’s continual care and compassion.
Offerings and Preparation:
Numbers 7–10:10
Tribal offerings are presented, the Levites are dedicated, Passover is observed, and trumpet signals for movement are established.
Journey and Rebellion:
Numbers 10:11–14
Israel leaves Sinai, faces hardships, and receives the report of the spies. The nation’s refusal to enter the land leads to significant consequences.
1. Israel at Mount Sinai ( 1:1–10:10 )
a. Israel Numbered and Arranged ( 1:1–4:49 )
i. The Census of Israel’s Warriors ( 1:1–54 )
ii. The Order of the Camps ( 2:1–34 )
iii. The Levites ( 3:1–4:49 )
1. The Sons of Aaron ( 3:1–4 )
2. The Duties of the Levites ( 3:5–13 )
3. The Registration of the Levites from One Month Old ( 3:14–39 )
a. The Gershonites ( 3:21–26 )
b. The Kohathites ( 3:27–32 )
c. The Merarites ( 3:33–36 )
d. Moses and Aaron ( 3:37–39 )
4. The Redemption of the Firstborn ( 3:40–51 )
5. The Duties of the Clans of Levi ( 4:1–33 )
a. The Kohathites ( 4:1–20 )
b. The Gershonites ( 4:21–28 )
c. The Merarites ( 4:29–33 )
6. The Numbering of the Levites from Thirty to Fifty ( 4:34–49 )
b. Purification of the Camp ( 5:1–10:10 )
i. Ritually Unclean Excluded from the Camp ( 5:1–4 )
ii. Confession and Restitution ( 5:5–10 )
iii. The Adultery Test ( 5:11–31 )
iv. The Nazirite Vow ( 6:1–21 )
v. The Aaronic Blessing ( 6:22–27 )
vi. The Offerings of Dedication from the Twelve Tribes ( 7:1–89 )
vii. The Lampstand ( 8:1–4 )
viii. The Cleansing of the Levites ( 8:5–26 )
ix. The Second Passover ( 9:1–14 )
x. The Cloud Above the Tabernacle ( 9:15–23 )
xi. The Two Silver Trumpets ( 10:1–10 )
2. The Journey from Sinai to Paran ( 10:11–12:16 )
a. Israel Leaves Mount Sinai ( 10:11–36 )
b. The People Complain ( 11:1–35 )
i. The Burning at Taberah ( 11:1–3 )
ii. The Complaints About Food ( 11:4–35 )
1. Israel Eats Manna ( 11:4–9 )
2. Seventy Elders Anointed ( 11:10–17 )
3. The Quail and the Plague ( 11:18–35 )
c. The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron ( 12:1–16 )
3. Israel in the Wilderness of Paran ( 13:1–19:22 )
a. The Twelve Spies ( 13:1–15:41 )
i. The Spies Explore Canaan ( 13:1–24 )
ii. The Report of the Spies ( 13:25–33 )
iii. Israel’s Rebellion ( 14:1–45 )
1. Joshua and Caleb Intercede ( 14:1–12 )
2. Moses Intercedes ( 14:13–19 )
3. God’s Forgiveness and Judgement ( 14:20–39 )
4. The Defeat at Hormah ( 14:40–45 )
iv. God’s Call to Obedience ( 15:1–41 )
1. The Drink Offerings ( 15:1–21 )
2. Offerings for Unintentional Sins ( 15:22–31 )
3. The Sabbath-Breaker Stoned ( 15:32–36 )
4. The Law of Tassels ( 15:37–41 )
b. Korah’s Rebellion ( 16:1–18:32 )
i. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram ( 16:1–37 )
ii. The Earth Swallows and Fire Consumes ( 16:28–40 )
iii. Aaron Halts the Plague ( 16:41–50 )
iv. Aaron’s Staff Buds ( 17:1–13 )
v. Priests and Levites’ Duties ( 18:1–32 )
c. The Red Heifer ( 19:1–22 )
i. The Offering of the Red Heifer ( 19:1–10 )
ii. The Water of Purification ( 19:11–22 )
4. The Journey from Paran to the Plains of Moab ( 20:1–21:35 )
5. Israel in the Plains of Moab ( 22:1–36:13 )
c. Instructions for the Second Generation ( 27:1–30:16 )
i. The Daughters of Zelophehad ( 27:1–11 )
ii. Moses’ Successor ( 27:12–23 )
iii. The Offerings ( 28:1–29:40 )
1. Daily Offerings ( 28:1–8 )
2. The Sabbath Offerings ( 28:9–10 )
3. The Monthly Offerings ( 28:11–15 )
4. The Festival Offerings ( 28:16–29:40 )
a. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ( 28:16–25 )
b. The Feast of Weeks ( 28:26–31 )
c. The Feast of Trumpets ( 29:1–6 )
d. The Day of Atonement ( 29:7–11 )
e. The Feast of Tabernacles ( 29:12–40 )
iv. Laws about Vows ( 30:1–16 )
1. Vengeance on Midian ( 31:1–54 )
2. The Tribes East of the Jordan ( 32:1–42 )
3. Final Preparations to Enter the Promised Land ( 33:1–36:13 )
v. Summary of the Wilderness Journeys ( 33:1–49 )
vi. Instructions for Occupying Canaan ( 33:50–56 )
vii. The Boundaries of Canaan ( 34:1–29 )
viii. The Inheritance of the Levites ( 35:1–34 )
1. The Forty-Eight Levitical Cities ( 35:1–8 )
2. The Six Cities of Refuge ( 35:9–34 )
ix. The Inheritance of the Daughters of Zelophehad ( 36:1–13 )
Laws and Challenges in the Wilderness:
Numbers 15–19
Additional laws are given, rebellions arise (including Korah’s), and the priesthood is confirmed. Purification laws, including the red heifer, are introduced.
Final Wilderness Events:
Numbers 20–25
Key events occur: deaths of Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ error at Meribah, victories over neighboring nations, Balaam’s oracles, and the incident at Peor.
Preparing for the Land:
Numbers 26–36
A second census is taken, Joshua is appointed, and laws for offerings, vows, inheritance, borders, and cities of refuge are given as Israel prepares to enter the land.
Deuteronomy — Renewal of the Covenant
Deuteronomy is Moses’ final message to the people he has led for forty years. Standing at the edge of the promised land, he retells their story, restates God’s commands, and calls them to choose life by loving the Lord with all their heart. It is both a reminder and a reset—an invitation to walk faithfully into the future God has prepared for them.
Journey Review and Call to Obedience:
Deuteronomy 1–4
Moses recounts Israel’s journey from Horeb to Moab, including the failure at Kadesh and victories over Sihon and Og. He urges the people to remember God’s works, avoid idolatry, and keep His commands as they prepare for life in the land.
Renewing the The Ten Commandments:
Deuteronomy 5
The Ten Commandments are repeated for the new generation. Moses emphasizes covenant responsibility and the blessing that comes from walking in God’s ways.
The Shema:
Deuteronomy 6:4–9
The Shema calls Israel to love God with heart, soul, and strength. It establishes the central confession of Israel’s faith and the importance of teaching God’s words to future generations.
Principles for Life in the Land:
Deuteronomy 7–11
These chapters explain how to remain faithful once in the land—rejecting idols, trusting God’s provision, and remembering His guidance through the wilderness.
Central Sanctuary:
Deuteronomy 12
Israel is instructed to worship at the place God chooses. This shapes the later Temple system, national worship rhythm, and the observance of the annual festivals.
Leadership and Kingship Laws:
Deuteronomy 16:18–18:20
Guidelines are given for judges, priests, Levites, and kings. Kings are to rule with humility, avoid excess, and keep a personal copy of the Law to ensure righteous leadership.
Prophet Like Moses:
Deuteronomy 18:15–19
God promises that He will raise up a prophet from among Israel who will speak His words with full authority, and the people are commanded to listen to him. This became one of Israel’s central hopes throughout their prophetic tradition. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this promise (Acts 3:22–23; John 6:14), presenting Him as the prophet who reveals God’s heart and leads His people into truth.
Blessings and Curses:
Deuteronomy 27–30
Moses lays out the blessings for obedience and the consequences of rebellion. These chapters frame Israel’s future challenges, exile, and hope for restoration.
Moses’ Final Acts:
Deuteronomy 31–34
Moses commissions Joshua, teaches the Song of Moses, blesses the tribes, and views the land from Mount Nebo. The book concludes with Moses’ death and a reflection on his unique role.
1. Moses’ First Address: A Historical Summary ( 1:1–4:49 )
2. Moses’ Second Address: The Terms of the Covenant ( 5:1–26:19 )
a. The Basic Stipulations ( 5:1–11:32 )
i. Remembering Mount Sinai ( 5:1–33 )
1. The Covenant at Sinai ( 5:1–4 )
2. The Ten Commandments ( 5:5–21 )
3. Moses Mediates Between God and Israel ( 5:22–33 )
ii. The Greatest Commandment ( 6:1–25 )
iii. When You Go into the Land ( 7:1–10:11 )
1. Do Not Assimilate into the Nations ( 7:1–11 )
2. God will Fight for Israel ( 7:12–26 )
3. Warning Against Becoming Proud ( 8:1–10:11 )
a. God has Provided All ( 8:1–20 )
b. Not Because of Your Righteousness ( 9:1–6 )
c. Remember the Golden Calf ( 9:7–29 )
d. The New Tablets of Stone ( 10:1–11 )
iv. Call to Obedience ( 10:12–11:32 )
b. The Specific Stipulations ( 12:1–26:19 )
i. Israel’s Worship ( 12:1–16:17 )
1. One Place for Worship ( 12:1–28 )
2. Warning against Idolatry ( 12:29–13:18 )
a. Do Not Inquire about Other Nations gods ( 12:29–32 )
b. Idolaters to be Put to Death ( 13:1–11 )
c. Idolatrous Cities to be Destroyed ( 13:12–18 )
3. Clean and Unclean Animals ( 14:1–21 )
4. Treatment of the Needy ( 14:22–15:23 )
a. Tithing to the Tabernacle ( 14:22–29 )
b. Cancel Debts in the Seventh Year ( 15:1–6 )
c. Generosity in Lending and Giving ( 15:7–11 )
d. Release of Hebrew Servants ( 15:12–18 )
e. Firstborn Animals ( 15:19–23 )
5. The Pilgrimage Festivals ( 16:1–17 )
a. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread ( 16:1–8 )
b. The Feast of Weeks ( 16:9–12 )
c. The Feast of Tabernacles ( 16:13–17 )
ii. Israel’s Leaders ( 16:18–18:22 )
1. Judges and Justice ( 16:18–20 )
2. Forbidden Forms of Worship ( 16:21–17:7 )
a. Forbidden Locations ( 16:21–22 )
b. Detestable Sacrifices ( 17:1 )
c. Purge the Idolater ( 17:2–7 )
3. Courts of Law ( 17:8–13 )
4. Guidelines for a King ( 17:14–20 )
5. Provisions for Priests and Levites ( 18:1–8 )
6. Sorcery Forbidden ( 18:9–14 )
7. The Prophet like Moses ( 18:15–22 )
iii. Civil Laws and Social Justice ( 19:1–26:19 )
1. Cities of Refuge ( 19:1–14 )
2. The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses ( 19:15–21 )
3. The Laws of Warfare ( 20:1–20 )
4. Atonement for an Unsolved Murder ( 21:1–9 )
5. Marrying a Captive Woman ( 21:10–14 )
6. Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn ( 21:15–17 )
7. A Rebellious Son ( 21:18–21 )
8. Cursed is Anyone Hung on a Tree ( 21:22–23 )
9. Various Laws ( 22:1–12 )
10. Marriage Violations ( 22:13–30 )
11. Exclusion from the Congregation ( 23:1–8 )
12. Uncleanness in the Camp ( 23:9–14 )
13. Miscellaneous Laws ( 23:15–25 )
14. Marriage and Divorce Laws ( 24:1–5 )
15. Additional Laws ( 24:6–22 )
16. Fairness and Mercy ( 25:1–4 )
17. Widowhood and Marriage ( 25:5–12 )
18. Standard Weights and Measures ( 25:13–16 )
19. Revenge on the Amalekites ( 25:17–19 )
20. Offering Firstfruits and Tithes ( 26:1–15 )
21. Call to Obedience ( 26:16–19 )
3. Moses’ Third Address: A Look into the Future ( 27:1–34:12 )
a. When You Enter the Land ( 27:1–28:68 )
i. The Altar on Mount Ebal ( 27:1–10 )
ii. Curses Pronounced from Ebal ( 27:11–26 )
iii. The Blessings of Obedience ( 28:1–14 )
iv. The Curses of Disobedience ( 28:15–68 )
b. The Covenant in Moab ( 29:1–30:20 )
i. The Covenant with the Second Generation ( 29:1–29 )
ii. The Promise of Restoration ( 30:1–10 )
iii. The Choice of Life or Death ( 30:11–20 )
c. The Future Leadership of Israel ( 31:1–30 )
i. Joshua to Succeed Moses ( 31:1–8 )
ii. The Reading of the Law ( 31:9–13 )
iii. God Commissions Joshua ( 31:14–23 )
iv. The Law Placed in the Ark of the Covenant ( 31:24–27 )
v. Leadership Gathers to Hear the Song of Moses ( 31:28–30 )
d. The Song of Moses ( 32:1–47 )
e. The Death of Moses ( 32:48–34:12 )
i. Moses’ Death Foretold ( 32:48–52 )
ii. Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes ( 33:1–29 )
iii. The Death of Moses ( 34:1–12 )
Putting It All Together: The Law, Worship, and Christ
The Law, with its moral, civil, and ceremonial components, was never meant to be an end in itself. Its rituals, the Tabernacle, the priesthood, and the sacrifices all foreshadowed Christ. Through Him, God’s people gain full access to His presence, forgiveness, and holiness.
The ceremonial parts of the Law—such as the Tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices, and the holy objects—were not only religious actions. They were symbols that pointed to Jesus. The New Testament connects these symbols to Him: He is the perfect High Priest, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, and the true dwelling place of God (John 1:14; Colossians 2:8–10).
The veil that once separated the people from God’s presence (Exodus 26:31–35) was torn when Jesus died. This shows that He opened a “new and living way” for believers to come to God (Hebrews 10:19–22).
The biblical feasts in Leviticus 23 also point to Jesus. Passover, Pentecost, the Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles all contain meaning connected to His life, death, resurrection, and return.
Many ceremonial laws required the Temple. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD, these practices could no longer continue in their original form. The New Testament explains that believers themselves are now the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:19–22). God’s presence now lives in His people.
Why This Matters Today
Understanding how Jesus fulfills the ceremonial parts of the Law helps us read the Old Testament with clarity. The Law was not only about external actions. It pointed to deeper truths: holiness, forgiveness, and God living among His people.
Today, these symbols are not only historical. Their meaning is complete in Jesus, and believers experience their spiritual reality through the Holy Spirit, who makes God’s people His dwelling place.
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