1K2-21: Who Is Responsible for Teaching God’s Word Today?

“In this way their blood will return on the head of Yo’av and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his family and his throne there will be peace forever from Adonai.”-1 Kings 2:33

Why, from a Torah perspective, is murder such a serious crime?

It’s because unpunished murder defiles both the people and the land.

The community is responsible for executing justice per the Law of Moses.

However, Israel’s government underwent major changes from the days of Moses to when Saul became king.

During the days of Moses, the chief executors of God’s justice were the Priesthood.

But after Israel became a monarchy, it became up to the king to uphold God’s law.

This meant that responsibility fell on Solomon’s shoulders after he assumed the throne.

Was his Torah knowledge solid?

Based on how he handled B’nayah’s confusion about whether or not he could kill Joab at the Altar while he was clinging to its horns, I’d say yes.

Solomon demonstrates a solid understanding of the Mosaic Law by letting B’nayah know that killing Joab is the right thing to do.

Again, it didn’t matter that the homie was holding onto the horns of the most sacred altar of sacrifice.

Killing Joab was the only way to attain peace with God.

Because it was the only way to lift the blood guilt from David’s household.

Are you getting this?

This is why the Torah supports the death penalty.

When we house murderers in prisons (funded by our tax dollars), this is a direct violation of Torah, and it also erects a barrier between our nation (or any nation for that matter) and peace with God.

That’s a takeaway in and of itself.

But there’s another lesson here we shouldn’t overlook.

Recall how I just said that the duty to teach and uphold God’s Torah shifted from the priesthood to the monarchy when Israel’s government structure changed.

However, today, we have neither the Priesthood nor a King in Israel.

So until Messiah returns, who is responsible for teaching God’s Word today?

Is it not the body of believers?

Is it not incumbent upon you and me to not only learn God’s Word…

But be a light unto the world by living it?

Tragically, an institution that teaches God’s Law has been abolished will never be able to fulfill this commission.

Ya feel me?

Done.

CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill shines.
No one hides a lamp under a basket.
Instead, it is placed on a stand.
It gives light to everyone in the house.
Let your light shine before others.
So they may see your good works.
And glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:14–16

“Go and make disciples of all nations.
Baptize them in the name given.
Teach them to obey everything commanded.
And I am with you always.
Even to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:19–20

“Let Messiah’s word dwell in you richly.
Teach and correct one another in wisdom.
Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
With thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
—Colossians 3:16

“You are a chosen people of God.
A royal priesthood and holy nation.
A people belonging to Him alone.
So you may proclaim His excellence.
He called you out of darkness.
Into His marvelous and shining light.”
—1 Peter 2:9

“You should be teachers by now.
Yet you need someone to teach you.
The basic principles of God’s word.
You need milk, not solid food.”
—Hebrews 5:12