introduction to the pentateuch chapter 3 encountering the old testament

Introduction to the Pentateuch

Chapter 3 Encountering the Old

Testament

What is the Pentateuch?

The term Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Bible.The word comes from the Greek pente, meaning five and teuchos meaning scroll.

What is the Pentateuch?

GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomy belong together as one literary unit.

Old Testament referencesrefer to the Pentateuch when it uses phrases like“Book of the Law of Moses” (2 Kings 14:6)and “The Book of the Law” (Josh 1:8)

Kings 14:6 Yet he did not put the sons of the assassins to death, in accordance with what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses where the LORD commanded …

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

New Testament References

“Law” in the expression, “The Law and the Prophets”Luke 16:16

 16"The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. Luke 16:16

We can view the first five books of the Bible as one book. Perhaps the size of the scrolls made the books have to be broken up into 5 divisions.

The Pentateuch spans from the beginning of historical life on earth up to but not beyond Israel’s conquest of the promised land.

The Hebrew version of the word referring to these five books is “Torah.”

Torah – usually translated Law, but it comes from the word teach or instruction.

Thus the Pentateuch contains the instructions for a successful life.

Summary of the books:Genesis – Book of OriginsExodus – Traces the salvation of God’s people who are helpless to save themselves.

Leviticus – Call for holiness as the only natural lifestyle for Israel and the only response to God’s grace.

Numbers – A book of wonderings in which God’s people suffer the consequences of their unbelief.

Deuteronomy– The story’s ending on a positive note presenting a program for renewal.

Themes of the Pentateuch•Sovereignty of GodHistoryFallen Condition of HumanitySalvationHoliness

There are two clear references to Moses as the author of Exodus chapters 20-23 which is known as “Book of the Covenants.” Ex. 24:4-7

Who is the Author?

The text also claims Moses wrote the Ten Commandments under the Lord’s direction. Ex 34:27

Who is the Author?

Other References to Moses:Exodus 17:14Numbers 33:2Clear references to parts of DeuteronomyDeuteronomy 31:9, 19,22,24“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying” Lv 4:1

Both Jewish and Christian tradition accepts Mosaic authorship or his being the originator of the writings of the Pentateuch.

Read Genesis 1