What if the ancient commandments of the Torah weren’t just historical artifacts, but living signposts pointing us toward a deeper relationship with God? That’s the bold message at the heart of Rabbi Kirt Schneider’s new book, Decoding the Torah. Rather than viewing the 613 commandments as outdated rules or religious red tape, Schneider invites readers to see them as spiritual treasures—full of meaning, relevance and power for life today.
Whether you’re Jewish or Gentile, if you follow Jesus, this journey through the Torah reveals something crucial: these commandments still speak. Not in terms of rigid observance, but in the way they illuminate God’s character—His holiness, His justice and His desire for a more compassionate world.
Rabbi Schneider doesn’t just explain the Torah—he unlocks it. He shows how even commandments that can’t be practiced today still nourish the soul, challenge the heart and guide believers toward a life grounded in mercy and truth. Through this lens, the Law isn’t abolished—it’s fulfilled in love.
To Not Prophesy Falsely and to Put a False Prophet to Death
The gift of prophecy is sacred and must be protected from those who would cheapen it by making false statements in the Holy One’s name. Imitators and false prophets rob God’s people of the opportunity to receive true prophets and prophecy. Those who speak frivolously, saying, “God told me…” when in fact God did not speak to them, commit a sin so abhorrent and dangerous that under the Law they were to be put to death.
In Jeremiah 23:30–32 the Lord declares: “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who steal My words from each other. Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who use their tongues and declare, ‘The Lord declares.’ Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the Lord, “and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares the Lord.
Ezekiel also addresses the issue of false prophets, pointing out their self-deception: “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing. …They see falsehood and lying divination who are saying, “The Lord declares,” when the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope for the fulfillment of their word,’” (Ezek. 13:3, 6).
The condemnation of false prophets is severe because of the significant damage they cause. In modern times, false prophecies have led to widespread skepticism and disillusionment. For example, numerous so-called prophets made predictions about financial markets, natural disasters, wars, the 2020 US presidential election and many other things that did not come to pass. Yet few of these individuals ever publicly apologized or took responsibility for their false prophecies and continue to prophesy without missing a beat.
Many believers still listen to them, but others are so turned off by lying prophetic words that when a genuine prophet speaks, they can’t receive the true word because they have become jaded. This is why God dealt so harshly with false prophets in the Old Testament. He wanted His people to hear His voice when He spoke through real prophets and true words of prophecy. False prophets and prophecy hinder this.
The Lord not only condemns the false prophets; He also commands His people not to listen to them. These precepts not to prophesy falsely and to put a false prophet to death (Deut. 18:20–22) show the gravity of prophesying falsely and the importance of discerning true prophetic voices. These commandments remind us of the need to protect the integrity of prophecy and hold those who misuse this sacred gift accountable. By adhering to these principles, we honor God and maintain the purity of His communication with His people through authentic prophets.
To Not Cower In Fear Before An Enemy In Battle
In times of battle or when facing any formidable challenge, fear is a debilitating force. This precept protected the morale of the Israelite community because a fearful soldier could spread anxiety among the troops, weakening their resolve and focus. Allowing those who were afraid to return home ensured that only those with strong faith and courage faced the enemy.
It is not God’s desire that His people succumb to fear. The command to not be afraid appears more than one hundred times in the Hebrew Bible and is the most repeated command in Scripture. The Lord both encourages and charges us not to fear.
We often coddle and even embrace our fears without realizing we are receiving something that is abhorrent and unholy. Our Maker commands us to fear only Him. Fearing God alone sets us free and glorifies Him.
Rabbi Yeshua said to His disciples, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” (Matt. 8:26, emphasis added). Notice how in this one sentence He contrasted faith and fear. God’s Spirit works through faith; the power of darkness moves through fear.
Yahweh told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous” (Josh. 1:6–7, emphasis added).
In this passage, we see the essence of this law, not to fear before an enemy in battle, being spoken to Joshua by the mouth of God Himself. Unless Joshua walked in the light of this precept, he would not have been able to drive out the enemy and take possession of the Promised Land. The same thing is true in our lives today. Fear is always knocking at the door of our hearts and minds, coming at us from a million different ways and directions. Unless we put our foot down, obey the Lord and crush Satan’s head under our feet, we will remain in torment.
Like Joshua, we must not be afraid. We must resist fear and strive to root it out of our lives in order to live in holiness before God. He grieves when we don’t trust Him.
The precept not to cower in fear before an enemy in battle (Deut. 20:8) is a reminder that no matter what we face—even the possibility of being martyred for our faith—we must not fear for our physical safety but rather make the Lord our trusted fortress.
The Precept of the Mezuzah
The mezuzah is a small scroll of parchment on which are written two biblical passages: Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and 11:13–21. This scroll is then placed in a box that is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes. This practice of posting the mezuzah on the entryways of our homes and offices serves to sanctify our living and working spaces with God’s blessing and presence. The mezuzah not only consecrates our homes and offices but also reminds those who affix them of God’s watchful eye over their lives, helping us stay devoted to Him.
In Judaism, the mezuzah symbolizes a commitment to the Lord and His commandments. As we pass by and touch the mezuzah, we take comfort in knowing that we are loved by our Creator and that He is watching over us. This daily ritual reinforces our dedication to living according to God’s Word and keeps His presence at the forefront of our consciousness.
Prophetically, the principle behind the mezuzah can be practically applied to our lives by placing in our homes and workplaces physical reminders of God’s presence. Early followers of Yeshua used symbols like the fish (ichthys) to remind themselves of and identify with Yeshua. Today many followers of The Way hang crosses or display sacred artwork in their homes. These physical memorials serve a similar purpose as the mezuzah, keeping God’s presence central in our lives. Although Acts 17:24 reminds us that God no longer dwells in temples made with hands, we can still glorify His name and sanctify the physical environments we live and work in.
We can easily be influenced by our environment and the forces that surround us. By filling our homes with objects that reflect our faith, we cultivate an awareness of God. This can include framed Scripture verses or biblical artwork. For instance, pictures of Jerusalem and the Western Wall, a shofar, a menorah (the seven-branched candle that was in the Temple and is the symbol of Judaism today) and other biblically themed items in the home. These pieces serve as constant reminders of faith and the nearness of the Most High.
Honoring the precept of the mezuzah (Deut. 6:9) creates an environment that honors God and helps us remember He is with us. This deep-rooted Jewish tradition can be embraced by all believers.
Decoding the Torah equips readers to draw wisdom from God’s oldest teachings and apply them to the chaos of modern life.
It’s not about going back—it’s about going deeper.
Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider is the host of the popular TV, radio, YouTube and podcast broadcast Discovering the Jewish Jesus. His teaching is straightforward, authentic and revelational. The anointing on his ministry carries an eternal weight of glory that the Father uses to transform the souls of His elect. Rabbi Schneider is the author of several books, including The Book of Revelation Decoded, To Know Him by Name, A Journey Into Divine Love, Messianic Prophecy Revealed and Called to Breakthrough. His latest book, Decoding the Torah, is available now on amazon.com.
