Commentary on Baruch

Origen of Alexandria (185–253)

It seems good to me to attempt to explain why the prescriptions, judgments and commandments of the law have been given. The text says, "In order to put them to the test [to see] if they would listen to the voice of the Lord and keep his commandments." In fact, what was there about the commandments that was so good and perfect if the former people of God were found still murmuring and rebelling? Shortly thereafter, in fact, they even returned to the idols and forgot all about the benefits and wonders that God had done, erecting the statue of a year-old calf. This therefore is why the precepts were given, in order to put them to the test. This is also why, through the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, the Lord says to them, "I gave you ordinances and prescriptions that were not good, in which you cannot live." Notice how when they were put to the test in the precepts of the Lord they were not found faithful. Therefore "the commandment that was ordained for life was found to be death for them." The same commandment, if it is observed, generates life, but if it is not observed, it generates death. In so far, therefore, as the commandments generate death for those who do not observe them…

See also

• More works by Origen of Alexandria

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