The law was given to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah, their King.
According to Les Feldick, the law was not just a set of rules but a means to prepare the nation of Israel for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, specifically the coming of the Messiah as their King. The law taught Israel about God's holiness and sovereignty, setting them apart from the pagan nations around them.
Galatians 3:24 — Though not cited in the clips, this verse is the classic 'schoolmaster' reference that Les alludes to when describing the law's preparatory role. However, as per the evidence, the clips mention the concept but not the exact verse. Use Exodus 19:5-6 instead.
Exodus 19:5-6 — God tells Israel that if they obey His covenant, they will be a peculiar treasure, which is part of the law's purpose to set them apart.
In Exodus 19, after Israel's exodus from Egypt, God speaks to Moses at Mount Sinai, saying, 'Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.' This establishes the conditional nature of the covenant: obedience leads to a special relationship. Later, in Exodus 20, God delivers the Ten Commandments, which begin with 'And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.' The law is given to the nation of Israel specifically, as they have been redeemed. The New Covenant in Jeremiah 31 references this Mosaic covenant, noting that Israel broke it, and God promises to write His law on their hearts in the future.
Les Feldick explains that the law given to Israel in Exodus was never intended to save them but to prepare them for a future role. He teaches that the law was given to make Israel aware of God's holiness and sovereignty, and to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah, the King. This is part of God's continuous plan from Genesis 12 onward, moving Israel toward the time when the King could appear. The law was conditional, as seen in Exodus 19:5, and it included moral, civil, and ecclesiastical parts. Les emphasizes that the law was given specifically to Israel, but Paul shows that it also brings the whole world under guilt. The law served as a schoolmaster to lead Israel to Christ, though this specific term is not directly quoted in the clips provided.
Les Feldick teaches that from Genesis 12, God has been moving Israel forward to the time when the King could appear. The law was given to prepare them for this. In the clip, he says that the Abrahamic covenant contains the promise of a nation, a land, and a government under the Messiah. The law was part of that preparation, teaching Israel about God's holiness and sovereignty, and setting them apart from the idolatrous nations around them.
Les Feldick explains that the law was given in three parts: the moral law (Ten Commandments), the ecclesiastical law (worship and sacrifices), and the civil law (social justice). He uses this breakdown to show that the whole system of law was given to Israel, but the heart of it is the Ten Commandments.
Yes, Les teaches that the law was given specifically to the nation of Israel, who were under it. However, he also notes that Paul says the law brings the whole world under guilt, so it has a broader implication. The law was given to Israel, but it reveals God's standards to all humanity.
Israel Prepared for the King
God has been moving Israel forward since Genesis 12 to the time when the King, the Messiah, could appear; the law is a step in that preparation.
The Conditional Covenant
God's covenant with Israel at Sinai was conditional; if they obeyed, they would be His peculiar treasure.
Purpose: To Make Israel Aware
The law was given to make Israel aware of God's holiness and sovereignty, preparing them for a future role.
Who Was Under the Law?
The law was given to the Jews, the nation of Israel, putting them in a place of special responsibility.
Law Given to Israel but All Under Guilt
The law was given to Israel but it also brings the whole world under guilt, showing God's standards for all.
Three Parts of the Law
The law is divided into moral, ecclesiastical, and civil parts, all given to Israel at Sinai.
Civil Law Explained
The civil law dealt with everyday life, like compensation for damages, showing the law's comprehensive nature.
Is the New Covenant for Israel or the Church? Jeremiah 31 Explained
"...and not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand, to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which covenant they broke over and over again, and I brought them out of the land of Egypt, which covenant they broke, although I was a husband unto them, but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, sai…
Exodus 19:5-6: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
God declares the conditional nature of the covenant at Sinai, making Israel a special nation if they obey.
Exodus 20:1-2: And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
The giving of the Ten Commandments, the heart of the law, to Israel after their redemption from Egypt.
Jeremiah 31:32: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
God references the Mosaic covenant being broken, leading to the promise of a New Covenant where the law is written on hearts.
No, Les teaches that the law was given to prepare Israel for the coming King, not to save them. It made them aware of God's holiness and their need for a future redemption.
Les explains that the law consists of the moral law (Ten Commandments), the ecclesiastical law (worship and sacrifices), and the civil law (social justice). This structure is seen in the giving of the law at Sinai.
Les notes that the law was given to Israel, but Paul says all the world is brought under its guilt. However, the law's purpose for believers today is to reveal God's standards, not to save.
Watch the Teaching: Why Two Genealogies of Jesus? Matthew vs Luke Explained