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The Law of God

Another term often used in the New Testament for the Old Testament Scripture is the law. Sometimes
the expression the law refers to the entire Old Testament. Under this principle and because the whole
of the Old Testament is authoritative as God’s Word of instruction to men, Jesus quoted from Psalm
82 in John 10:34 and referred to it as the law.

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
Commentary comments (NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan New Media, Grand Rapids, 1997, electronic
media.):

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.
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