One-Law-one-Ordinance
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Re Tanakh versions:
Throughout
this site I may use any of three versions of the Tanakh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), three brilliant versions, However, the
JPS-1917 is my preferred version!
Colour coded
details of our beloved TaNaKh:
1. Torah =
History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or
Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of
Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history
of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some alterations
or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God), having been corrected like it once was pre
the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Let us first read Numbers 15, chapters 15-16. (JPS-1917 version).
“As for the congregation, there shall be one statute both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be before יְהוָה - the LORD. One law and one ordinance shall be both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you”.
Those two verses in
Numbers 15 are a cornerstone passage when discussing ‘scriptural law’,
‘inclusion’, and the ‘universal standards of אֱלֹהִים’s
covenant’. It is a rich text to study because it touches on ‘language’,
‘historical context’, and most importantly on ‘theology’.
1. Key Angles for Study:
A. Linguistic & Keyword
Analysis.
(Ger - גֵּר) this is the Hebrew word for a ‘stranger’. In
ancient Hebrew, this refers to a ‘resident alien’, ‘sojourner’, or ‘foreigner’
living among the Israelites. How does a ‘ger’ differ from a
‘temporary visitor’ - (Nokri - נָכְרִי).
‘Statute’, ‘Law’, ‘Ordinance’: Notice the repetition of terms like ‘chuqqah’ - חֻקָּה
(statute) and ‘mishpat’ - מִשְׁפָּט
(ordinance/precedent). Why does the text emphasize one standard so
repeatedly in just two verses?
B. Literary & Historical Context:
Where are they in the
narrative? Chapter 14 ends
with
The Message of Hope:
Giving laws about living in the Land right after a massive failure signals that
אֱלֹהִים’s
covenant promise is still alive. How does the inclusion of foreigners fit into
this long-term vision of a settled nation?
C. Cross-Referencing Other Passages:
Torah Parallelism:
Compare this with Exodus 12:49 (Passover participation).
“One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you”.
And
Leviticus 24:22 (justice/fairness in law).
“Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for the home-born; for I am יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloheichem”.
The “Resident Alien Motif: Read Deuteronomy 10:18–19, which commands
“He doth
execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in
giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the
stranger; for ye were strangers in the
2. Discussion & Reflection Questions:
Equal Rights and Equal Responsibilities: How does this passage balance open
inclusion with high expectations of a covenant commitment?
Impartial Justice:
What does ‘one law’ say about אֱלֹהִים’s
view of ‘national’, ‘ethnic’, or ‘social privilege’ before the law?
Modern Application:
What does a principle of ‘radical inclusion paired with a shared moral
standard’ look like in our Hebrew community?
3. Recommended Practical Steps for Your Study Group:
Step 1:
Compare translations. Read the passage in the JPS-1917 alongside modern
translations or a Hebrew interlinear to see subtle shifts in how terms like
‘statute’ or ‘sojourner’ are rendered.
Step 2: Trace
the story of notable foreigners who joined
Step 3:
Consult classical commentaries, such as Maimonides to see how this most
remarkable historical scholar debated the distinction between ‘civil laws’,
‘ceremonial laws’, and the blessed 613 given by אֱלֹהִים.
For a deeper dive
into how this chapter bridges
What specific angle interests you most, I would assume it would
be the ‘Hebrew word studies’, as it has an historical context, and how does
this concept carry through into various versions of our blessed scriptures?
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Please Note: “hebraicstudies”
links are located down the page!
This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following through a number of
our prophets...
“The More Torah,
the More Life”,
For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... “Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom =
Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD
of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat,
as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue
saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before
food and drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
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