An Introduction to the Pentateuch

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX VI. The Mean1ng or TO RAH. The word Torah, which is generally translated by 'law' 1n the O.T., is derived from a root yarah, which means to cast (a lot--Josh, xviii. 6), to shoot (an arrow--1 Sam. xx. 36). In the Hiphil form it means to point out (with the finger--Prov. vi. 13), to teach by giving directions as to conduct (' teach us what we shall do...' Judg. xiii. 8). Torah, a noun allied with this form of the verb, means direction or instruction given by one in authority. The word is used to denote: (1) Decisions, chiefly on matters of religious observance, given by the priests. The opponents of Jeremiah declare that law (Torah, direction) shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor a word from the prophet (Jer. xviii. 18). When the prophet announces impending calamity (vv. 13--17) they will not give heed to his words, but maintain that the existing order will not be overthrown: the prophet will continue to declare the word of the Lord, the wise man will still offer counsel, and the priest will not cease from giving direction (cp. Jer. ii. 8, Ezek. vii. 26). Haggai bids the people 'ask the priests for a direction'; and two questions on the difference between clean and unclean follow (Hagg. ii. 11--13). Malachi declares that 'the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and the people should seek direction from his mouth.' In these passages the Heb. word Torah does not refer to a written law. the law when written would be in the hands of both priests1 and people; of such a written law it could be said that it would perish or be changed, but not that it would perish from the priest. The rendering 'the law' in A.V. and R.V. is misleading so far as it suggests reference to a written law; the reference in these passages is to verba...