What was the purpose of the Law given to Israel?
The Law was given to bring Israel to the place where they could recognize their Messiah, believe in Him, and trust Him. Its purpose was to lead them to faith, yet they did not respond because of unbelief, as Scripture repeatedly shows.
Les explains that the Law was given so Israel could recognize their Messiah, believe in Him, and trust Him. Israel did not, and the root issue was unbelief. Les notes that Paul makes a big deal of this, especially in Hebrews chapter 3, asking why that generation did not enter the Promised Land and why God was provoked with them. Les points back to Mount Sinai, the golden calf, and gross immorality, but says that is not what God held against them; He held their unbelief. Les traces the same pattern through Scripture—Esau, Ishmael, and Saul versus David—showing mankind's refusal to believe the Word of God.