Final answer:
The notion that the Torah was intended to be a burdensome set of rules is false. It served as a guiding text for Jews to live morally and righteously, ensuring the continuity of their culture and identity, especially during times of exile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Torah was intended to be a set of rules that would always be a burden to God's people is false. The Torah, consisting of the first five books of the Bible, is the most holy text of Judaism and was not intended as a burden, but rather as a guide for living a moral and righteous life. It contains the 613 laws and injunctions laid down by Moses, which include ethical codes of conduct, dietary laws to maintain a kosher diet, and the duty of Hebrew men to study the sacred texts.
These laws were integral in preserving their identity, especially during the Babylonian exile, and enabled them to survive as a distinct people despite persecution and the absence of a stable homeland. It established how Jewish people would worship Yahweh, live moral lives, and closely follow the laws of Moses. Hence, the Torah acted as a mobile tradition, allowing Jews to bring their religious traditions with them wherever they went. Furthermore, the Torah also exemplifies God’s investment in the actions of His chosen people, holding everyone accountable, from ordinary individuals to kings, based on a just and caring divine nature.