Genesis 18:19, Shall keep the way of YHVH…do justice and judgment. To what is YHVH referring here? He is referring to the Torah, something some Christian Bible teachers say did not exist before Moses and Mount Sinai (see also Gen 26:5). Let’s now see how the Scriptures define these terms and how they relate to the Torah. Genesis 18:19 says,
“For I [YHVH] know him [Abraham], that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHVH, to do justice and judgment; that YHVH may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken.” (emphasis added)
Let’s define the three highlighted words above in the larger context of the Scriptures.
“The way” is the Hebrew word derech (Strong’s H1870) and is used in the following places:
- Blessed are the undefiled in the way [derech], who walk in the law [Torah] of YHVH. (Ps 119:1)
- I will run the way [derech] of the commandments … (Ps 119:32)
- Teach me, O YHVH, the way [derech] of thy statutes … (Ps 119:33)
“Justice” is the Hebrew word tsedaqah (Strong’s H6666) meaning “righteousness.” Here is an example of its usage:
- … for all thy commandments are righteousness … (Ps 119:172)
“Judgments” is the Hebrew word mishpatim (Strong’s H4941) meaning “ordinances” referring to YHVH’s moral and ethical laws as embodied in the last six of the ten commandments, which teach righteousness in one’s business and personal relationships.
- …[YHVH’s] righteous judgments [mishpat]. (Ps 119:7)
- I have chosen the way [derech] of truth: thy judgments [mishpat] have I laid before me. (Ps 119:30)
- Thy word is true from the beginning; and every one of thy righteous judgments [mishpat] endures forever. (Ps 119:160)
Can there be any doubt, if we’re to believe what the Scriptures say literally that Abraham was Torah observant hundreds of years before Moses (Abraham’s great, great, great grandson) was born?
I’m new to your blog, and I resonated with each of the posts for this weekly reading.
Thank you so much, Nathan, for letting God use your gift of teaching to illuminate the nooks and crannies of scripture.
This message about Abraham’s obedience to Torah before it was officially given at Mt. Sinai was an eye-opener. It made me feel totally connected to Father Abraham in a long line of people who want to know and please God. I saw that God was able to teach His way/law to any generation. Almost 42 years ago, when I was a nominal Christian, I cried out to God for the first time when something precious was being taken away from me. I had a dream that I was to read the Bible for my answer — specifically the story of Abraham and Isaac. As I read, I identified with Abraham, having to give up his precious son, even though the boy was God’s promise of blessing the whole earth. I immediately got it! God was asking me to do what Abraham had to do. Of course, the stakes in my situation were not as high as Abraham’s! I wept in surrender, and it was only later given back to me, after I put the promise on the altar with knife in hand. When I did surrender, both in my heart and later in actuality, I heard these words I could only assume was God speaking, “What I required of Abraham, I require of each of those who follow Me. This that you have done today will be the hallmark of your walk with Me.”
And now four decades later, your blog entry helped me relate my experience to the Torah and Father Abraham. I am amazed at the faithful pursuit of YHVH toward a Gentile who had no clue!
Thank you for your wonderful testimony of submission to the Father’s will and the resulting spiritual empowerment. Also, thank you for your encouraging words regarding our efforts to help make the Word of Elohim come alive in a relevant way.
Shabbat shalom!
I heard someone teach that the word tsedaqah (righteousness) means generosity. can you help me with this, in finding out if this is true. thanks pat