Pentateuch

Another name for the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy—the so-called "law of Moses," or the Torah. The word is Greek, meaning the "five volumes."

While it is ludicrous to speak of one part of Scriptures as being more important than another (they are all God's word), the Pentateuch does lay down the theological and spiritual foundation stones for understanding the Jewish and Christian faith. It explains, e.g., the origin of the world, where we come from, what we were meant to be, and how did we become what we are. It speaks of the promise of new beginnings because God is gracious. It promises the hope of blessings and redemption for all the peoples everywhere, even though it is essentially a Hebrew story. It explains how the Hebrews became and what it meant to be the chosen people of God. The torah, the instructions for holy living given to Israel, in themselves, reflect the mind and heart of God, and through them we catch a glimpse of who and what this God is like.

As a narrative the Pentateuch takes us from the time of creation (Gen 1-2) through the fall of the human race (Gen 3-11), to the promise of a new beginning for Abraham and his descendants (Gen 12-50), the redemption of his descendants from enslavement in Egypt and their constitution as God's people and nation and their disgraceful response to Him as He led them towards the land—a land confirmed as flowing with milk and honey—He had promised to give them (Exo-Num). The Pentateuch ends with another new beginning, as Moses prepares a new generation of Israelites for life in the Promised Land which they would soon invade, with the impassioned reminder that only faithfulness to Yahweh will ensure their victory and future welfare (Deut). Through all these, the vital facts of the life of faith are clarified: There is no god but Yahweh. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth; nothing can thwart Him in what He decides. He keeps His promises. He is holy and tolerates no sin. He is a jealous God who will always act true to Himself, whether it is in judgment towards those who rebel against Him or in grace towards whose who love Him. Yet, repeatedly, He shows Himself slow to anger and graciousness to those who would act true towards Him.

Media Resources:

Dr Scott Reed (Reformed Theological Seminary), The Pentateuch. Third Millenium Ministries. 11 studies. Available as Video, Audio, or Word/Pdf formats.