Q 11: Were the people of Israel able to fulfill God’s purpose for giving them His Law?

A 11: The people of Israel failed to realize the purpose and promise of God’s Law because, in the main, they did not have a heart disposed to obey God. (Deut. 5.29; Jer. 31.31, 32; Deut. 30.6-10)

Like all human beings, the people of ancient Israel had the Law of God written on their hearts, so that their consciences would have the means to direct their thoughts and affections in the ways of love.

Further, they had the experience of having been redeemed by God, and of knowing His glory in their midst. Besides this, they received the oracles of God in the form of His Law, so that they would know how to fulfill the demands of love for God and neighbors, and were provided with priests, prophets, and kings to help them live within the framework of God’s covenant economy.

These provided powerful incentives for obedience and explain why, from time to time, the people of ancient Israel were able to enjoy seasons of covenant blessing with the Lord.

However, God lamented the fact that they did not have the inner transforming power to live consistently in obedience to Him, unto love for God and neighbors. This “weakness” in the Law of God He Himself would have to overcome. He did so through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the giving of His Holy Spirit.

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