Commands, Statutes, and Ordinances
The word translated as, “law” in the Old Testament is the word, “torah” (Strong’s number 8451) and it more accurately translated as “teachings, directions or instructions.” Torah is also used to describe the books of Moses, or the first five books of the Christian Bible, because these are the books that contain the instructions that Adonai gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai.
The word translated as, “commandment,” is the Hebrew word, “mitzvah” (Strong’s number 4387) and can be defined as, “an authoritative direction or instruction to do something.” Most people recognize the Ten Commandments, but there are many other commandments as well, both positive (thou shalt) and negative (thou shalt not).
“Statute” is the Hebrew word, “chukkuh” and is basically “an enactment” or the acting out of something. When we celebrate the Passover feast, we are keeping the statute, or the acting out of the commandment.
“Mishpat” (Strong’s number 4941) is the word translated as, “ordinance” or “judgment.” Basically, this is a verdict, either favorable or unfavorable, that is pronounced judicially. This is the carrying out of the consequences of our actions.
Think of it this way: God gave us the Torah, a work of written directions and instructions. Within Torah we find Commandments (mitzvah) which are instructions given by someone with Authority. These would be the 613 “laws” to which we often refer. (i.e. “Command the children of Israel…”) Also found within Torah are the Biblical Holidays or the Lord’s feasts and festivals. These are celebrations that we are to “act out” or have an enactment, so they would be the Statues (Chuqqah.) When He says, “Keep My statutes” what He is saying is, “Keep My feasts and festivals.”
The last element of Torah is the stories. God gave us tales of our ancestors so that we could see how we are to live out these mitzvah and chuqqah. We also can see God’s corrections (mishpat) in the form of judgments and can therefore learn how to judge justly in our own lives. Basically, Adonai has the authority to make certain “lines in the sand” and He also has the authority to smack us when we cross that line. The mishpat (ordinance/judgment) is where we see His hand moving in our lives in the consequences of our actions. When we keep His judgments, we are dealing justly with one another. We are also acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives.
How do we keep His commandments, statutes and ordinances? First, we must study them to find out exactly what they are. Then we should follow David’s advice: “I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes. I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your mitzvot.” Psalm 119:59-60 We must look at what we are doing, and anything that does not line up with His Torah must be disregarded, no matter how much we like it. We need to start keeping His feasts, not our own. Only then will we be truly showing our love for Adonai El Shaddai, the Lord God Almighty.