A documentary form of the Law placed beside the ark of the covenant as a reminder to Israel of her covenant obligation. It was rediscovered and applied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah and read publicly by Ezra after the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
The Book of the Law was written by Moses
Deuteronomy 31:24–26 The book in question could be the material now included as chapters 1–30, although some scholars suggest it might refer to the material now included as chapters 12–26. See also Deuteronomy 28:58–61, Deuteronomy 29:18–21, Deuteronomy 30:10
When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.
The Book of the Law was passed from Moses to Joshua
Joshua 1:7–8 See also Joshua 8:30–31, Joshua 8:34–35, Joshua 23:6, Joshua 24:26
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.
The Book of the Law during the monarchy
2 Kings 14:6 parallel 2 Chronicles 25:4; 2 Chronicles 17:9
The Book of the Law was rediscovered and applied in Josiah's reign
2 Kings 22:8–16 parallel 2 Chronicles 34:15–24 A reference to part or all of Deuteronomy or possibly the entire Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy).
The Book of the Law was read publicly by Ezra
Nehemiah 8:1–18 See also Nehemiah 9:3
Paul refers to the Book of the Law
Galatians 3:10 Paul is teaching that justification is by faith. See also Deuteronomy 27:26
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.