Flawed doctrine can obscure the truth, cloud our judgment, lead us astray in life, and misrepresent Yah’s intentions. This was my experience during the thirty years I spent in church pews. Well-meaning evangelical pastors taught me that the Torah1 was solely for the Jews and that Yeshua rendered the Old Testament laws obsolete. Consequently, I missed important Gospel truths that were right in front of me.
It’s ironic that those who resist the Law (the Torah) wholeheartedly embrace Psalm 1, which emphasizes the Law’s importance in guiding us toward righteousness. This six-verse Psalm2 is rich with wisdom and directly challenges that notion. Let’s examine this important Psalm verse by verse.
Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1
The Hebrew word for “blessed” used here is esher, often employed as an interjection. It conveys a sense of blessedness or happiness, and the Psalmist intends for us to perceive it with emphasis, as if exclaiming, “Oh, the happiness of the man!” This profound happiness is attainable only by steering clear of the counsel of the wicked, the sinful, and those who are divisive and contemptuous.
Wicked and sinful people are those who have rejected the paths of righteousness contained in Yah’s commandments. According to Psalm 10:3-13, characteristics of the wicked include prideful boasting, cursing, lying, bitterness, mistreatment of the poor, and disrespect for the Almighty and His Son Yeshua. This could describe many politicians, athletes, and entertainers.
The ungodly tend to be restless, never satisfied with their lives, and are constantly instigating trouble. (Proverbs 6:12-14) They are like a rolling sea that stirs up mire and dirt. (Isaiah 57: 20-21) The book of Romans adds these descriptions to the list:
And even as they did not like to retain Elohim in their knowledge, Elohim gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of Elohim, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of Elohim, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32
We should be mindful of whom we associate with, as their behavior can be contagious. Verse 2 highlights why our strongest defense against negative influence is the Torah of Yah.
But his delight is in the Torah of YHWH, And in His Torah, he meditates day and night.
As we go through our day and encounter various situations, we can be confident that the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will help us recall Scripture that applies to the exact circumstances we’re facing. This is why it is important to hide Yah’s word in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11)
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Verse 3 assures us that when we take delight in Yah’s instructions (the Torah), we will thrive. Just as a well-watered tree remains healthy and fruitful, so too will we flourish. A similar message is conveyed in the instructions given to Joshua as he prepared to enter the Promised Land after Moses’ death.
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. Joshua 1:8
Joshua’s character and training qualified him to become Israel’s next leader. He benefitted from a proper foundation in the Torah and from spending time in Moses’ tent under his tutelage. Through fidelity and perseverance, Joshua was up for the challenge, but success was not guaranteed. He was reminded to continue in the practices that brought him to this point: “observing to do according to all that was written in the Book of the Law.” Obedience to Yah’s commands was the only legitimate path to his and the nation’s prosperity.
Putting the Law/Torah In Its Proper Context
In the First Covenant (Old Testament) a person’s righteousness was often measured by their adherence to the Law. However, Abraham was considered righteous because of his faith AND submission to the requirements of the Torah through his covenant with the Most High. (Genesis 15:6)
The accepted understanding of covenant is an agreement between two parties who bind themselves to do – or not to do – certain things.
According to the Biblical Illustrator:
God’s covenant begins and ends with Himself. It comes to us only through His grace and mercy. The power to fulfill its conditions, on man’s part, comes through the same grace received into the heart by faith. From this example of Abram several lessons respecting faith are taught. We learn that –
- The sinner’s first duty is to believe what God has spoken.
- The foundation of faith is God’s promise.
- Obedience is an essential element in faith.
- Faith is the soul’s simplest act, and also its mightiest energy.
- Faith’s highest conquests are not at first.
The only way to believe what Elohim has spoken is to know what He has said. Yeshua knew and always obeyed his Father. We are required to know too. How? By reading the whole of the Scriptures – not just the Renewed Covenant (New Testament). The Torah (instructions), Writings, and Prophets are all meant to guide us along this perilous path to ultimate salvation through Yeshua.
As we disciple under Yeshua by obeying Scripture the way of righteousness is made crystal clear. We don’t have to follow every commandment listed in the Torah because not all will apply to every individual. There are rules for married men, single women, parents, land owners, etc. Also, without the Torah, concepts like ‘love’ or ‘faith’ cannot be defined with any degree of accuracy. Without the Torah, we would also fail to understand the guidelines for a healthy marriage or even how to properly worship the Most High.
In the First Covenant (Old Testament), love is often defined through actions and commitments rather than just emotions. Key aspects include:
- Covenantal Love: Love is seen as a steadfast commitment, exemplified in God’s covenant with Israel. This is often described using the Hebrew word “hesed,” which conveys loyalty, faithfulness, and loving-kindness (e.g., Exodus 34:6-7).
- Love for Elohim: Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, “Love the Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This indicates a comprehensive devotion to the Most High.
- Love for Others: Leviticus 19:18 instructs, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” emphasizing love as an ethical obligation towards others.
Overall, love in the Old Testament is deeply connected to obedience, faithfulness, and ethical behavior.
When the Apostle Paul ministered to the Gentiles, he emphasized the value and purpose of the Law. His teachings clarified that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Yeshua, not through the Law itself. However, the Law is a measuring stick that helps us understand behavior that is pleasing to the Almighty.
How the Enemy Blinds Us To Torah Obedience
Many people live in denial, avoiding the truth about various matters due to fear. Some resist acknowledging truths that challenge their established beliefs because they dislike being wrong. In reality, the Law is good and not burdensome, contrary to what some might teach. Those who take pride in following the Ten Commandments3 understand that honoring our Heavenly Father, respecting our parents, observing a Sabbath rest, honoring marriage vows, and refraining from stealing are inherently good. The guidelines our Father sets for our behavior are designed to bless us.
When we abrogate our duty to study the Torah and obey its instructions for life, we fall into the enemy’s trap. Our enemy has convinced us that we are incapable of comprehending what is written. But we can because all born-again believers in Messiah have been given the Ruach to guide us to all truth.
We have to be trained in righteousness. This happens through prayer, study, obedience, and faith in Yah’s promises. The Bereans knew this. So did those in Thessalonica who were encouraged by Paul the Apostle, Silas, and Timothy to test everything and everyone against Scripture.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5: 14-19
It must be said at this point that Paul did indeed respect the Law and his Hebrew heritage, and he often emphasized the value and purpose of the Law. His teachings stressed that righteousness and salvation come through faith in Yeshua, not through the Law itself. Paul’s approach was to uphold the moral and ethical teachings of the Law while emphasizing that certain ceremonial and ritualistic aspects were not necessary for Gentile believers.
Paul recognized that the Torah serves as a crucial standard for understanding what constitutes ‘righteous’ behavior. The absence of obedience to the Law is evident in the actions of those who disregard its instructions.
The actions and destiny of the wicked, the lawless, and the unrepentant are made clear in the remaining verses of this Psalm.
The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Yahuah knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1: 4-6
The Bible mentions the goodness of the Law in several places. In the New Testament, Romans 7:12 states, “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” In the First Covenant (Old Testament), Psalm 19:7-8 praises the Law, saying, “The law of YHWH is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of YHWH are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of YHWH are right, giving joy to the heart.”
Let us let Yeshua have the final word on the matter.
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5: 17-18
Reread Psalm 1. Then ask the Ruach to help you understand why Torah instructions matter to all faith-filled believers who have put their trust in Yeshua for their salvation.
FOOTNOTES
1 Torah: law, direction, or instruction; a body of directives for living. (#H8451)
2 The Hebrew word for “Psalm” is “מִזְמוֹר” (mizmor), which generally means “a song” or “a melody.” In the context of the biblical Book of Psalms, it refers to a sacred song or hymn.
3 The Ten Commandments are listed in two places in the Bible: Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21
Brenda Ross is a co-author of the book, "The Gospel Worth Dying For." She is a former major market radio and television broadcaster who has served as Single’s Ministry Director at one of Houston’s Memorial Drive-area churches, a Jews for Jesus staff volunteer, and participated in mission outreach activities in Costa Rica, Mexico, and China. Urban mission experience includes volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity and catering to the homeless in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.
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