Torah is summed up in one sentence...
Another verse from my BibleApp YouVersion. The book of Galatians is one book I love to read in the Complete Jewish Bible. The way it is explained is unique, and emphasizes the fact that it is not the “law” that is being discussed, but Torah.
Galatians 5:14
For the whole of the Torah is summed up in this one sentence: “Love your neighbor as yourself”; (CJB)
Most translations say Torah is “law.” Take for instance the TPT
For love completes the laws of God. All of the law can be summarized in one grand statement:
“Demonstrate love to your neighbor, even as you care for and love yourself.” (TPT)
This version, by using the word “law” makes it sound like the law could be done away with because we can sum it up with this one phrase. IF we can sum up the “law” with one phrase, than why do we need the “law?”
The word in this verse really does not need to be law at all. By translating this to “Torah” we can understand that all of these teachings are incorporated into the Torah.
I truly believe that the instructions God gave us in Torah are for today. They all have to do with either worshipping God, or taking care of yourself or the community. That means they can be summed up with “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It does NOT mean that the rest of Torah can be done away with. It should mean we have a desire to study Torah more and understand the deeper Truths that are there.
We need the 10 Commandments. They are for today (unlike some people are beginning to teach). We need to know that the instructions given are for our own health and well-being. Today in our Torah study we read that the Children of Israel had to “wash their clothes” before they approached God at the base of Mount Sinai. This means God truly cares about our cleanliness!
Take time to understand that Torah is teaching. God gave the instructions so we can have LIFE. In that LIFE, when we Love our neighbor as ourselves, we have HIS Peace and Joy. So yes, Torah can be summed up in the one sentence… Then we can seek for the deeper things God promised.
Love and blessings,
Rose
All donations are tax deductible through TBG. Click the picture below to take you to the TBG homepage and from there you can "Give Online."
