how constant was Israel's subjection to the Law before faith came?

Israel’s subjection to the Law was constant and unrelenting before the faith way came. They were under its burden continually, 24 hours a day, shut up under it until the faith that should afterward be revealed. The Law rested on them as a heavy burden, producing no liberty but constant fear.

Les explains that the Law was like a burden resting on the shoulders of the people under it. They knew nothing of liberty, only constant fear, because violating the Sabbath—even picking up a stick—brought death, not a slap on the wrist. Before the faith way, Israel was under the burden of the Law constantly, twenty-four hours a day, kept shut up under it until the faith that should afterward be revealed. Les also notes Scripture is progressive revelation: when God gave the Law, He did not immediately tell Israel and the rest of the world that Christ would die and send grace. Israel went 1,500 years under the Law before God progressively revealed the doctrines of grace.

How constantly was Israel under the burden of the Law before the Faith Way?

Israel was under the burden of the Law constantly—24 hours a day—before the Faith Way. The Law rested on their shoulders, and they knew no liberty, only constant fear, because violations such as picking up a stick on the Sabbath brought death, not a minor penalty. They were kept shut up under it until faith was revealed.