Exposing Weak And Beggarly Elements

What Are The Weak and Beggarly Elements

and Statutes and Judgments That Were Not Good?

by Frank Klin

"You came down also on mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them
right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And made known
to them your Holy Sabbath, and commanded them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand
of Moses your servant: And gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, and brought forth
water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promised them that they should go in to
possess the land which you had sworn to give them.” - (Nehemiah 9:13-15)

If our Heavenly Father gave His people “right judgments, and true laws, good statutes
and commandments” as stated in the verses above, what are the “weak and beggarly
elements” Paul mentions in the following verses? "Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye
did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God,
or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements,
whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and
years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." - (Galatians 4:8-11)

Some people say it sounds like the law and its precepts are full of things we need to
throw away and get rid of, especially as concerns the observation of days, months, times and
years. Are these “beggarly elements” part of the same statutes given to Moses? Through
the prophet Ezekiel God tells us He gave the people “statutes that were not good, and
judgments whereby they should not live.”

"Because they had not executed My judgments, but had despised My statutes, and
had polluted My Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols. Wherefore I
gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not
live; and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all
that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might
know that I am the Lord." - (Ezekiel 20:24-26)

Is He actually “giving” them or allowing us the power of choice to follow Him or our own
inclinations? Read on.

"But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me. So I gave
them up unto their own hearts' lust: they walked in their own counsels. Oh that My people
had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!" - (Psalms 81:11-13)

“But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare My statutes, or that thou
shouldest take My covenant in thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest My
words behind thee.” - (Psalms 50:17)

"And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in
the works of their own hands. Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of
heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to
me slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness? Yea, ye took up the tabernacle
of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I
will carry you away beyond Babylon." - (Acts 7:41-43)

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 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be
known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed unto them. For the invisible things of
Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when
they knew God, they glorified not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they
became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God
also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their
own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped
and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this
cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural
use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of
the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is
unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And
even as they did not like to retain God in knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate
mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness,
fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural
affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit
such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do
them." - (Romans 1:18-32)

"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is
the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will
not walk therein." - (Jeremiah 6:16)

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
unrighteousness." - (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

"Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I
also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called,
none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and
chose that in which I delighted not." - (Isaiah 66:3-4)

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles
walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from
the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all
uncleanness with greediness.” - (Ephesians 4:17-19)

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with
the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer
should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the
time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked
in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking
evil of you: who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For
for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged
according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit.” - (1 Peter 4:1-6)

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 Psalms of David
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that
hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn
deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of
his salvation." - (Psalms 24:3-5)

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the
commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be
desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb. (Psalms 19:7-10)

“Moreover by them is thy servant warned: in keeping of them great reward. Who can
understand errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from
presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall
be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." - (Psalms
19:11-14)

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed according to Thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art thou, O
Lord: teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth. I
have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as in all riches. I will meditate in Thy precepts,
and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy
Word." - (Psalms 119:9-16)

"Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, Thy salvation, according to Thy word. So
shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in Thy word. And take
not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments. So shall I
keep Thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts.
I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. And I will delight
myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved. Thy statutes have been my songs in the
house of my pilgrimage." - (Psalms 119:41-47, 54)

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn
Thy commandments. They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have
hoped in Thy word. I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and Thou in faithfulness
hast afflicted me. Let, I pray Thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy
word unto Thy servant. Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for Thy law is
my delight. Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: I
will meditate in Thy precepts. Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that have
known Thy testimonies. Let my heart be sound in Thy statutes; that I be not ashamed." -
(Psalms 119:73-80)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Thy testimonies are
wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it
giveth understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for Thy
commandments. Look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to do unto
those that love Thy Name. Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have
dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts. Make

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Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. Rivers of waters run down
mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek
not statutes." - (Psalms 119:105, 130-136,155)

"Let my cry come near before Thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to Thy
Word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to Thy Word. My lips shall
utter praise, when thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy Word: for
all Thy commandments righteousness. Let Thine hand help me; for I have chosen Thy
precepts. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord; and Thy law is my delight. Let my soul live,
and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
seek thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments." - (Psalms 119:169-176)

Right Judgments, True Laws, Good Statutes and Commandments

"Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; a blessing, if ye obey the
commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: and a curse, if ye will
not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I
command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." - (Deuteronomy
11:28)

"And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto My commandments which I
command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and
with all your soul, that I will give the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the
latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send
grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves,
that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;
and the Lord’s wrath be kindled against you, and He shut up the heaven, that there be no
rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and ye perish quickly from off the good land which
the Lord giveth you. Therefore shall ye lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul,
and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. –
(Deuteronomy 11:13-19)

"If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them; then I will give you
rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield
their fruit." - (Leviticus 26:3-4)

"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God,
to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and
with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command
thee this day for thy good? Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more
stiffnecked." - (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 16)

"And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the
Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live." - (Deuteronomy
30:6)

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord." - (Leviticus 19:18)

"And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving
that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all?" And

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Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is
one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second like
this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater
than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is
one God; and there is none other but He:" - (Mark 12:28-32)

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the
first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." - (Matthew
22:36-40)

"Ye shall therefore keep My statutes, and My judgments: which if a man do, he shall live
in them: I am the Lord." - (Leviticus 18:5)

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall
live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them." -
(Galatians 3:11-12)

"Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your
God commanded to teach you, that ye might do in the land whither ye go to possess it: that
thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I
command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy
days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do; that it may be well with
thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee,
in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou
shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine
house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest
up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets
between thine eyes." - (Deuteronomy 6:1-8)

“Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to
the Lord. And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which
the Lord did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee
upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy
mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore
keep this ordinance in his season from year to year.” - (Exodus 13:6, 8-10)

“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened.
For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old
leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of
sincerity and truth.” - (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)

"And I gave them My statutes, and shewed them My judgments, which if a man do, he
shall even live in them. Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me
and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." - (Ezekiel 20:11-12)

"See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I command
thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments
and His statutes and His judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God

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shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so
that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I
denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, ye shall not prolong your days upon
the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to
record this day against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: that thou mayest love the Lord
thy God, that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is
thy Life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware
unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”- (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

"Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and
His judgments, and His commandments, always. And it shall come to pass, if ye shall
hearken diligently unto My commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord
your God, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, that I will give the rain
of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy
corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou
mayest eat and be full. Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn
aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; and the Lord’s wrath be kindled against you,
and He shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and ye
perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you. Therefore shall ye lay up
these My words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that
they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking
of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest
down, and when thou risest up." - (Deuteronomy 11:1, 13-19)

"Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and
gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: and madest
known unto them Thy Holy Sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws,
by the hand of Moses Thy servant: and gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and
broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they
should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them." - (Nehemiah 9:13-
15)

"But after they had rest, they did evil again before Thee: therefore leftest Thou them in the
hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and
cried unto Thee, Thou heardest from heaven; and many times didst Thou deliver them
according to Thy mercies; and testifiedst against them, that Thou mightest bring them again
unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto Thy commandments, but sinned
against Thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder,
and hardened their neck, and would not hear." - (Nehemiah 9:28-29)

"I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white
raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man
hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
Me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame,
and am set down with My Father in His throne." - (Revelation 3:18-21)

Learn more about the Commandments, Statutes and Judgements:

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