The total number
of commandments in the Torah is 613. This can also be seen from the
verse “Moses commanded us
the Torah as inheritance”. The numerical value of the word Torah is
611, plus the two commandments pronounced by God Himself make up 613.
King David established 11
ethical and moral requirements on which to base the 613.
Isaiah came and established
them on six: “Walk with righteousness, speak with fairness, spurn
extortionate profit, avoid suspicions of taking a bribe, seal the ears
from hearing of bloodshed, and shut the eyes from seeing evil.”
Michah established them on three:
do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.
Habakkuk established them on one: “The righteous person shall live
through his faith”.
Art: John Everett Millais - North-West Passage