What was the spiritual condition of Israel when Paul wrote Galatians?
Israel was under the law, operating a degenerated religious system. The temple was operating full speed ahead, priests performing rites and bringing animal sacrifices, but it was totally degenerated, governed by 613 rules and regulations rather than the basic Ten Commandments.
Les explains that when Paul wrote the book of Galatians, the temple in Jerusalem was operating full speed ahead. The priests were performing their rites and bringing the animal sacrifices. The nation of Israel was under the law, but it was a degenerated religious system, totally degenerated. Instead of operating under the basic Ten Commandments, temple worship at the time of Christ was now under 613 rules and regulations, which comprised the law. Les points out that this made it all the harder, since they had 613 rules to keep instead of Ten, almost a lifelong education to learn them.