{Ye leave the commandment of God} (aphentes t(886e) entol(886e) tou
theou). Note the sharp contrast between the command of God and
the traditions of men. Jesus here drives a keen wedge into the
Pharisaic contention. They had covered up the Word of God with
their oral teaching. Jesus here shows that they care more for the
oral teaching of the scribes and elders than for the written law
of God. The Talmud gives abundant and specific confirmation of
the truthfulness of this indictment.