The Joy of the Law

(Psa 105:45 KJV)  That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

(Proverbs 27 also read)

This verse is a good example of the difference in the view that the writer of this, and other, Psalms had of the law and how the Apostle Paul looked at it.  I think the difference is important if for no other reason than balance.

In Psalms the “law” (8451) [torah] is looked at with joy.  Notice the final phrase.  Paul looked at it as a burden.  I think that one of the differences is the Paul was looking at a different body of material that David and others.  It has come to my attention recently that there was an oral tradition of the law that was not written down until long after Paul’s day.  I get the feeling that most of the nit picking nonsense we hear about was found in this oral law.  

We are taught that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  For us that does not include any oral traditions passed down.  Most of what I am aware of are the opinions of the Rabbis who kept coming up with regulations to expand the coverage of the law.  What was given to teach men how to live holy lives became a straight jacket to stifle them.

So?  Holiness is a matter of great joy.  God is not a killjoy.  He is the source of joy.  To quote the Psalm. “Praise the Lord.”