Explore the origins of the Mishnah and its connection to God’s Law bestowed upon Moses. Understand the supposed significance of the Mishnah in Jewish law and history and its impact on Rabbinic Judaism.

The Jews Placed Religious Tradition Over the Bible

Jesus Christ’s Critique of Jewish Religious Traditions Overriding God’s Word

The Voiding of God’s Word by Jewish Leaders

Jesus Christ, in His teachings, highlighted a significant issue prevalent among the Jewish religious leaders of His time. He openly criticized them for making “void the word of God,” as recorded in Mark 7:13. This critique was directed towards a common tendency among the Jews, similar to many in today’s religious landscape, to prioritize complex precepts and customs over the fundamental teachings of the Bible.

The Conflict Between Tradition and Biblical Command

A prime example of this conflict between tradition and Biblical command is found in the practice surrounding the honoring of parents, a directive explicitly stated in Exodus 20:12. The traditional Jewish law provided a loophole that allowed individuals to neglect this important Biblical obligation. By declaring their property as “corban,” meaning a gift dedicated to God, individuals could claim religious justification for not supporting their parents financially, even while they continued to use the property for personal gain. This practice, detailed in Mark 7:9-12, effectively allowed adherence to tradition to supersede the clear command of God.

Jesus’ Stand Against Misplaced Religious Priorities

Jesus boldly confronted these distortions of religious practice. He challenged the established Jewish ‘sacred traditions’ that were held in higher regard than the Scriptures themselves. His teachings consistently emphasized the importance of adhering to the true spirit and intent of God’s Word, rather than being bound by human-made traditions that undermined its core principles.

In essence, Jesus’ critique serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of placing God’s Word above human traditions, especially when these traditions distort or negate the clear teachings of the Scriptures.

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees for Their Twisting of the Scriptures

Matthew 15:3-9 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

3 And he answered and said to them, “Why do you also overstep the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and ‘The one who speaks evil of father or mother let him die the death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother: “Whatever I have that could benefit you is a gift dedicated to God,” 6 he need not honor his father.’ So you have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition.

Jesus Condemns the Pharisees for Hypocrisy

   7 You hypocrites, Isaiah rightly prophesied about you saying,
8 “ ‘This people honor me with their lips,
   but their heart is far removed from me;
9 But in vain do they worship me,
   teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Is the Bible Only Understandable to Scholars? An Examination of Scriptural Accessibility

The Clarity of God’s Commandments to Israel

The Bible, particularly in its Hebrew Scriptures, illustrates that God’s messages were not exclusively for an elite class of scholars. In Deuteronomy 30:11, 14, God articulates through Moses, “Surely, this Instruction which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach… the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.” This directive was for all Israelites, not just their leaders. Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 further emphasizes this, instructing all members of the nation, including children, to internalize and live by these commandments. The clarity and accessibility of God’s law, as recorded in the Scriptures, were intended for the understanding and observance of the entire community, not a select few.

The Question of an Oral Torah

The concept of an “Oral Torah” alongside the “Written Torah” is a subject of much debate. Some hold that Moses received unwritten commandments to be orally transmitted. However, the Bible itself does not support this notion. Exodus 24:3, 4 and 34:27, for instance, describe Moses receiving and then writing down all commands from God. Nowhere in the biblical account is there a directive for an oral law. Isaiah 29:13 cautions against human-imposed confusion which contradicts the clarity and simplicity of God’s written law.

The Case of Deuteronomy 17:8-11

Deuteronomy 17:8-11 is sometimes cited as evidence of an inspired oral tradition. However, this text primarily outlines judicial procedures, not the transmission of customs or traditions. While certain traditions might have been passed down, their longevity does not equate to divine inspiration. The example of the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8, 9; 2 Kings 18:4) demonstrates how traditions can evolve independently of God’s commands.

Tracing the Absence of an Oral Law

The presence of an Oral Torah in key biblical events raises significant questions:

• When Moses conveyed God’s commands to Israel (Exodus 24:3, 4), there is no mention of an oral law.
• Joshua’s reiteration of Moses’ commandments (Joshua 8:35) excludes any oral law.
• The rediscovery of the “book of the Law of Moses” during King Josiah’s reign (2 Kings 22:8–23:25) indicates a reliance on written records, not oral traditions.
• The spiritual corruption of Israel’s leaders, as criticized by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:13) and Malachi (Malachi 2:7, 8), raises doubts about the faithful transmission of an oral tradition.

During the entire period of recording the Hebrew Scriptures, from Moses to Malachi, there is no mention of an oral law. It is only much later, in the period of the rabbis, that this concept emerges, suggesting its human rather than divine origin.

The Concept of “Seventy Faces” to the Torah

The Jewish expression “There are seventy faces to the Torah” implies multiple, even contradictory interpretations of Scripture. This viewpoint, encompassing both written and oral law, is reflected in the varying opinions within the Oral Law, as noted in The Encyclopedia of Judaism. However, this concept of conflicting interpretations is at odds with the clarity and directness of God’s commands in the Scriptures. Throughout the writing of the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s representatives resolved disputes, often with divine endorsement (e.g., Exodus 28:30; Numbers 16:1–17:15 [16:1-50]; 27:18-21; Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The teaching of contradictory interpretations was historically seen as apostasy, not scholarship (Deuteronomy 13:1 [12:32]).

Shift in Judaic Thought and the Rise of the Pharisees

Over time, the Pharisees, especially prominent in the first century C.E., began advocating for an Oral Torah, believed to have been given alongside the written Law at Mount Sinai. This oral law, claimed to clarify unwritten details of the written Law, was not recorded but transmitted orally. After the destruction of the second temple in 70 C.E., this Pharisaic view became dominant, transforming Judaism into a rabbi-centered religion. The Oral Torah was eventually documented by Judah Ha-Nasi in the Mishnah, later expanded into the Talmud through additional commentaries and interpretations. This shift led to a complex body of rabbinic literature, with interpretations often conflicting, fueling the view of the Torah as having “seventy faces.”

The Accessibility of Biblical Teachings

The historical and scriptural evidence suggests that the Bible, particularly in its original form, was intended for the comprehension and application by all believers, not just a scholarly few. The concept of an Oral Torah, emerging much later, introduces a layer of complexity and potential contradiction that is not evident in the original scriptural texts. The Bible’s directness and clarity, as intended by God, affirm its accessibility to all who seek to understand and live by its teachings.

Understanding the Mishnah’s Complex Nature

The Mishnah, an ancient Jewish text, can be perplexing for readers encountering it for the first time. Jewish scholar Jacob Neusner describes this experience as akin to joining a conversation mid-way without fully grasping the context. He observes that the Mishnah “begins nowhere” and “ends abruptly,” highlighting its complex and enigmatic style. This cryptic nature often leaves readers feeling disoriented, like being in a foreign transit lounge where the language is familiar, but the conversations are deeply puzzling.

The Mishnah’s Prominence in Rabbinic Judaism

In his work, A History of Judaism, Daniel Jeremy Silver denotes the Mishnah as the foundational text of rabbinic Judaism. Intriguingly, he notes that it has supplanted the Bible as the central text in ongoing Jewish education. This raises questions about why such an obscurely styled book would gain such significance.

The Mishnah’s Claim to Mosaic Origins

The Mishnah presents itself as a continuation of a divine teaching process that began with Moses. It asserts, as seen in Avot 1:1, that Moses received the Torah at Sinai and passed it on to Joshua, then to the elders, prophets, and ultimately to the men of the great assembly, later known as the Sanhedrin. These men were regarded as wise sages, who orally transmitted teachings across generations until they were eventually documented in the Mishnah. But the critical question arises: Is this claim factual?

Scrutinizing the Mishnah’s Authorship and Authenticity

Analyzing who wrote the Mishnah and its contents’ origins is essential to understanding its place in religious history. The claim that its teachings originated from Moses at Sinai and were passed down orally before being written in the Mishnah warrants careful examination. The idea that an unwritten part of God’s Law, given to Israel, could be preserved and transmitted orally over centuries and then recorded raises both historical and theological questions.

The Mishnah’s Relevance Today

Considering its complex history and the claims of its divine origins, one must also ponder the Mishnah’s relevance in contemporary times. Does it hold a significant meaning for modern readers, especially in the context of understanding God’s Law as conveyed in the Bible?

In conclusion, the Mishnah, with its obscure style and profound claims of origin, stands as a critical text in the study of Judaism and religious history. Its relationship to the Law given to Moses and its role in the continuum of religious teaching and practice are subjects that require both scholarly attention and theological reflection. The Mishnah’s place in the broader narrative of religious texts and its influence on the interpretation and practice of faith continue to be topics of significant interest and debate.

Judaism’s Transformation Post-Temple Destruction: The Rise of the Oral Law

The Emergence of the Oral Law Concept in Judaism

In the era when the Scriptures were penned, inspired by God, there was no mention of a divine oral law accompanying the written Law of Moses (Exodus 34:27). This concept emerged much later, developed and propagated by the Pharisees. In the first century C.E., groups like the Sadducees actively opposed this non-Biblical teaching. The temple in Jerusalem, central to Jewish worship, meant that debates over an oral law were not a primary concern. The temple provided a structured, stable framework for Jewish religious life.

The Cataclysmic Change of 70 C.E.

The year 70 C.E. marked a turning point of profound religious crisis for the Jewish nation. The Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the temple—integral to Jewish spiritual identity—left over a million Jews dead and dismantled the very core of their religious practice. Talmudic scholar Adin Steinsaltz underscores the severity of this event, noting that it necessitated a complete reconstruction of the Jewish religious life.

Yohanan Ben Zakkai’s Pivotal Role in Religious Transition

Before the temple’s destruction, Yohanan Ben Zakkai, a disciple of the Pharisee leader Hillel, foresaw the need for a shift. He secured permission from Vespasian, the future Roman emperor, to relocate Judaism’s spiritual center from Jerusalem to Yavneh. Following Jerusalem’s fall, Ben Zakkai faced the daunting task of establishing a new religious focal point for the Jewish people. This new center of religious life pivoted away from the temple and toward the oral law.

The Rise of the Pharisees and the Oral Law’s Dominance

With the physical temple gone, the Sadducees and other Jewish factions lacked a compelling alternative to offer. Consequently, the Pharisees rose to prominence, absorbing opposition and becoming the mainstream voice within Judaism. The rabbis, formerly known as Pharisees, discarded their sectarian title, uniting under the banner of “the sages of Israel.” These sages would construct a spiritual edifice for their oral law concept, creating a structure far less susceptible to physical destruction than the temple had been.

The catastrophic destruction of the temple in 70 C.E. catalyzed a fundamental shift in Jewish religious life. The Pharisees, advocating for the oral law, emerged as the predominant force in Judaism, establishing a new spiritual infrastructure that would shape the faith for centuries to come.

The Evolution and Structuring of the Oral Law

The Expansion of Rabbinic Academies

Post the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, the rabbinic academy in Yavneh, located 25 miles west of Jerusalem, became Judaism’s primary center. This period saw a proliferation of academies across Israel and in distant lands like Babylon and Rome, all dedicated to teaching the oral law. However, as Talmudic scholar Adin Steinsaltz points out, this expansion led to challenges. The dispersion of sages and the creation of separate schools caused a divergence in the forms and methods of expressing the oral traditions, impacting the uniformity that had been maintained in Jerusalem.

The Role of Tannaim in Oral Law Transmission

Teachers of the oral law, known as Tannaim (from an Aramaic root meaning “to study,” “to repeat,” or “to teach”), were pivotal in this era. Their teaching methodology centered around intense repetition and memorization. To aid this process, each ruling or tradition was condensed into brief, concise phrases. The more succinct the phrase, the better it was for memorization. These rulings, often recited in a stylized, poetic manner or chanted, varied significantly from one teacher to another due to their disorganized nature.

Akiba ben Joseph’s Contribution to Organizing Oral Traditions

Akiba ben Joseph (c. 50-135 C.E.) was the first rabbi to bring structure to the diverse oral traditions. Steinsaltz compares Akiba’s work to a laborer who collects various items randomly and then categorizes them at home. Akiba’s significant contribution lay in his ability to classify numerous disorganized subjects into distinct categories, bringing a semblance of order to the oral law.

Impact of the Bar Kokhba Revolt

The second century C.E. witnessed another major Jewish revolt against Rome, led by Bar Kokhba. This rebellion, like its predecessor, ended in tragedy, with Akiba and many of his disciples among the nearly one million Jewish casualties. The revolt’s failure, coupled with Roman Emperor Hadrian’s decree barring Jews from Jerusalem except on the temple’s destruction anniversary, quashed any remaining hopes of rebuilding the temple.

The Oral Law as a New Center of Worship

For the Tannaim who lived after Akiba and had never seen the Jerusalem temple, the structured study of oral law traditions became their new “temple” or worship center. The framework established by Akiba and his disciples in organizing the oral law was further advanced by Judah ha-Nasi, the last of the Tannaim.

The oral law’s evolution and structuring played a crucial role in shaping post-temple Judaism. The efforts of the Tannaim, particularly Akiba ben Joseph and Judah ha-Nasi, in organizing and solidifying the oral traditions, provided a new foundation for Jewish religious practice and identity in the absence of the temple.

The Formation of the Mishnah and Its Historical Significance

Judah ha-Nasi: The Architect of the Mishnah

Judah ha-Nasi, a descendant of Hillel and Gamaliel and born during the Bar Kokhba revolt, rose to prominence as the leader of the Jewish community in Israel towards the end of the second and the start of the third century C.E. Known as “the prince” (ha-Nasi) and often simply referred to as Rabbi, he commanded great respect and influence. He led both his own academy and the Sanhedrin, initially at Bet She’arim and later at Sepphoris in Galilee.

The Preservation of Oral Law Under Judah ha-Nasi

Anticipating potential conflicts with Rome that could threaten the oral law’s transmission, Judah ha-Nasi embarked on a mission to preserve and structure it. He convened the era’s most esteemed scholars at his academy, engaging in rigorous debates on every aspect of the oral law. The outcomes of these debates were distilled into highly concise phrases, crafted in poetic Hebrew prose.

Structural Composition of the Mishnah

The Mishnah’s content was meticulously organized into six primary divisions or Orders, each focused on major topics. These were further divided into 63 sections or tractates, completing the spiritual architecture of the oral law. Breaking with tradition, which had always favored oral transmission, Judah ha-Nasi took the groundbreaking step of recording these teachings in writing. This monumental written compilation was named the Mishnah, derived from the Hebrew root sha·nahʹ, meaning “to repeat,” “to study,” or “to teach”—akin to the Aramaic term tan·na·ʼimʹ, used for teachers of the Mishnah.

The Mishnah’s Role and Purpose

The Mishnah was not intended as a definitive legal code but rather as a summary of discussions and teachings from Judah ha-Nasi’s time in the rabbinic academies. It was designed to serve as an outline for further debate and exploration of the oral law, providing a basic framework for continued scholarly development.

The Mishnah’s Connection to Mosaic Teachings and the Talmud

While the Mishnah offers valuable insights into the evolution of the oral law, a concept that originated with the Pharisees, it does not reveal direct teachings from Moses at Mount Sinai. The information in the Mishnah illuminates certain interactions and discussions between Jesus Christ and the Pharisees as depicted in the Christian Greek Scriptures. However, caution is advised in interpreting its content, as it primarily reflects Jewish thought from the second century C.E. The Mishnah thus serves as a crucial historical bridge between the second temple period and the Talmud, marking a significant transition in Jewish religious thought and practice.

Exploring the Structure of the Mishnah: A Detailed Overview

The Organizational Framework of the Mishnah

The Mishnah, a foundational text in Jewish tradition, is systematically divided into six distinct Orders. These Orders are further subdivided into 63 tractates, which are then broken down into chapters and mishnayot (paragraphs). This structure allows for a comprehensive and detailed exploration of various aspects of Jewish law and tradition.

1. Zeraim (Agricultural Laws)

The first Order, Zeraim, focuses on agricultural laws. This section encompasses tractates that deal with various prayers associated with food and agriculture. Additionally, it covers extensive rules regarding tithing, allocations for priests, gleanings (the practice of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields), and regulations pertaining to the Sabbath years.

2. Moed (Holy Occasions, Festivals)

Moed, the second Order, delves into the laws and customs related to holy occasions and festivals. This includes detailed discussions on the observance of the Sabbath, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and other significant Jewish festivals.

3. Nashim (Women, Marriage Law)

The third Order, Nashim, addresses issues related to women and marriage law. It includes tractates that discuss the intricacies of marriage and divorce, the making and annulment of vows, the laws concerning Nazirites, and cases involving suspected adultery.

4. Nezikin (Damages and Civil Law)

Nezikin, the fourth Order, concentrates on damages and civil law. This section covers a wide range of topics, including civil and property law, the operations of courts and the imposition of penalties, the role and function of the Sanhedrin (the ancient Jewish court system), laws against idolatry, oaths, and the Ethics of the Fathers (Avot), which is a collection of ethical teachings.

5. Kodashim (Sacrifices)

The fifth Order, Kodashim, is dedicated to discussions regarding sacrifices. The tractates in this section outline regulations related to animal and grain offerings and include specifications concerning the dimensions and layout of the temple.

6. Toharot (Purification Rituals)

Finally, the sixth Order, Toharot, deals with purification rituals. This includes detailed discussions on ritual purity, procedures for bathing and handwashing, laws regarding skin diseases, and the impurity associated with various objects.

In conclusion, the Mishnah’s six Orders provide a comprehensive and systematic framework for understanding Jewish law and practice. Each Order, with its specific focus, offers a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of various aspects of Jewish life and religious observance.

Understanding First-Century Jewish Practices Through the Mishnah: Context for New Testament Events

The Mishnah, an ancient Jewish legal text, provides context to several events and teachings in the Greek New Testament. Its detailed prescriptions and interpretations of the Law help us understand the cultural and religious backdrop against which Jesus and his disciples operated.

To be clear, the Mishnah was compiled and written down at the end of the second century and the beginning of the third century C.E., which is indeed well after the lifetime of Jesus and the apostles. Given this timeline, the Mishnah itself could not have directly influenced the events described in the New Testament.

A more accurate way to frame the relationship between the Mishnah and the New Testament would be to consider the Mishnah as a source that helps us understand the broader Jewish context and rabbinic thought of the era. While the Mishnah as a compiled text postdates the New Testament, many of the traditions, interpretations, and religious practices it records likely reflect the oral traditions and teachings that were present in Judaism during the time of Jesus and the apostles.

Thus, the Mishnah can be used as a historical resource to provide insights into the religious and cultural environment of first-century Judaism. It helps modern readers understand the kinds of beliefs, practices, and interpretations of the Law that were prevalent in Jewish society during the time of the New Testament.

Sabbath Observance: A Case from Matthew 12:1-2

In Matthew 12:1-2, Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, an act criticized by the Pharisees as unlawful. While the Hebrew Scriptures do not explicitly forbid such an act, the Mishnah’s interpretation does. Specifically, in Shabbat 7:2, the Mishnah lists 39 activities prohibited on the Sabbath by rabbinic law, providing insight into why the Pharisees challenged Jesus and his disciples.

Traditions vs. Commandments: Insight from Matthew 15:3

In Matthew 15:3, Jesus confronts the Pharisees for prioritizing human traditions over God’s commandments. The Mishnah, in Sanhedrin 11:3, illustrates this attitude, stating greater importance is given to the teachings of the Scribes than to the written Law. An example from the Mishnah notes that denying the requirement to wear phylacteries, a Law command, is less serious than altering the Scribes’ teachings about them. This perspective aligns with Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees for their rigid adherence to human traditions.

The Dividing Wall in Ephesians 2:14

Ephesians 2:14 speaks of Jesus as the one who removed the dividing wall of hostility, symbolizing the separation between Jews and Gentiles. The Mishnah describes a physical barrier in the Temple (Middot 2:3) – a latticed railing (the Soreg) – beyond which Gentiles could not pass. Paul’s reference to a ‘dividing wall’ can be seen as a figurative allusion to this physical barrier. This metaphor illustrates how Christ’s death abolished the Law covenant that had long separated Jews from Gentiles.

In summary, the Mishnah provides valuable context for understanding certain New Testament passages. It sheds light on the cultural and religious norms of the time, especially regarding the interpretation and application of the Law. This context enriches our understanding of the interactions between Jesus, his disciples, and the religious leaders of their time, as well as the teachings of the apostles.

About the Author

SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY