The dispensation of promise ends with God's provision in delivering the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.
I. The Giving of the Law.
A. It was given to preserve and identify Israel as a separate and peculiar people unto God.
B. The Law made them different from all the other people in the world.
C. Note the covenant:
1. When God made His covenant with Abraham He said, "I will...".
2. Now God says, "If ye will...".
3. In this dispensation a greater responsibility is placed upon the people.
4. The people accepted God's terms and entered into this covenant willingly both before and after they knew what was required. cf Ex. 24:7
II. The Mosaic Law.
A. Moral laws.
1. These were the ten commandments.
2. The will of a righteous God in reference to right and wrong.
3. Note: Exodus 20:1-17
B. Ceremonial Law.
1. This had to do with sacrifices, worship, and religious duties particular to Israel.
2. The Tabernacle was constructed, and an order of priesthood was instituted.
3. cf Exodus 25-31 and Leviticus 1-10
C. Judicial or Civil Law.
1. This law regulated the administration of justice.
2. The rights of property, and punishment of those who broke the law.
3. Much the same as our criminal and civil law today.
4. cf. Exodus 21-23
III. Purpose of the Law.
A. To prepare the way for Calvary's cross.
1. Note: Exodus 25:21-22 & De. 10:2
2. The Ark of the Covenant contained the unbroken tables of stone, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. cf. Hebrews 9:4
a. The manna pointed to the fact that Jesus Christ was the sustainer of life.
b. Aaron's rod reminds us that Jesus Christ is our High Priest.
c. The unbroken tables of stone reminds us of Christ's holiness and perfection.
B. It was our schoolmaster. cf Gal. 3:21-24
1. The Law was given to show man that he needed a Savior. cf Ro. 3:19-20
2. No man could keep the Law! cf James 2:10
3. It was God's standard and we fall short in our own ability and power. cf Ro. 3:23
C. Christ is the end of the Law. cf Ro. 10:4
1. There is no need of the schoolmaster since faith is come. cf Gal. 3:22
2. Jesus came to fulfill the Law...bring to an end (Webster). cf Mt. 5:17
3. Luke 16:16 says, "The Law and the prophets were until John..."
IV. Failure in this Dispensation.
A. They failed to keep the Law. cf. 2 Kings 17:7-20
1. They failed to keep the commandments. v7
2. They were reminded and warned by God. v13
3. They refused to repent and were openly rebellious against God. v14-15
4. They totally rejected and departed from the Law. v16-17
B. They failed to receive the King and the kingdom.
1. Jesus came to offer the kingdom to Israel. cf Matthew 4:17
2. Jesus commissioned His disciples to go only to Israel and preach the message of the kingdom. cf. Mt. 10:1-7
3. Israel rejected His authority and His message. cf. Mt. 12:24
4. The ultimate rejection was the crucifixion...they killed the King.
C. God's judgment was upon them and would continue.
1. It was prophesied in De. 28:63-66
2. Jesus reaffirmed it in Luke 21:20-24
3. Judgment was due to their disobedience and their rejection of the kingdom and the King. cf. Mt. 23:37-39
4. The seven year tribulation will be a part of the judgment upon unbelieving Israel.