Page 22 - Doctrine and History of the Preservation of the Bible Student Textbook

The Law and the Prophets

Another expression used for the entire Old Testament is the law and the prophets. This particular
expression looks at the Old Testament from the standpoint of its divisions—the law, the prophets, and
the writings. Compare Matthew 5:17; 7:12; Luke 16:16; Romans 3:21. See also Luke 24:27 and 44.

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached,
and every man presseth into it.

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Other Words used for Referencing the Bible

At least nine different terms may be seen in Psalm 119—law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes,
commandments, judgments, word, and path. Focusing on eight of these terms, the NIV Bible
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Commentary comments :

The psalmist uses eight words for God’s law:
1. “Law” (torah) occurs twenty-five times. In the broad sense it refers to any “instruction” flowing from
the revelation of God as the basis for life and action. In the narrow sense it denotes the Law of Moses,
whether the Pentateuch, the priestly law, or the Deuteronomic law.

2. “Word” (dabar) is any word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. It is a general designation for
divine revelation.

3. “Laws” (mishpatim) pertain to particular legal issues (“case laws”) that form the basis for Israel’s legal
system. God himself is the Great Judge.
4. “Statute(s)” (eduth/edoth) derives from the word that means “witness,” “testify”; “testimony” is
often synonymous with “covenant” (cf. 25:10; 132:12). The observance of the “statutes” of the Lord
signifies loyalty to the terms of the covenant between God and Israel.

5. “Command(s)” (mitswah/mitswoth) is a frequent designation for anything that the Lord, the covenant
God, has ordered.

12 NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan New Media, Grand Rapids, 1997, electronic media
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