Topic 2 Topic 2 The PentateuchThe PentateuchTerminology:Terminology:

““Pentateuch” = “five books” Pentateuch” = “five books” Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, DeuteronomyGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy ““Torah” = “law”Torah” = “law”

Content: Pre-history of IsraelContent: Pre-history of Israeli.i. Primeval history (Gen. 1-11) - Creation and fall of worldPrimeval history (Gen. 1-11) - Creation and fall of worldii.ii. Patriarchal history (Gen 12-50) - Promise to be God’s nationPatriarchal history (Gen 12-50) - Promise to be God’s nationiii.iii. The Exodus (Exodus-Deut.) - Deliverance and journey to promised landThe Exodus (Exodus-Deut.) - Deliverance and journey to promised land

Origin of Pentateuch - two theories:Origin of Pentateuch - two theories:1.1. Mosaic authorship - Moses wrote Pentateuch.Mosaic authorship - Moses wrote Pentateuch.2.2. Documentary hypothesisDocumentary hypothesis

Evidence of multiple authors: varied styles; multiple accounts of Evidence of multiple authors: varied styles; multiple accounts of same story (e.g., Creation told twice); contradictions; etc.same story (e.g., Creation told twice); contradictions; etc.

Four originally separate source documents woven together:Four originally separate source documents woven together: J (950 BC) - Yahwistic source (uses “Yahweh”=God’s personal name)J (950 BC) - Yahwistic source (uses “Yahweh”=God’s personal name) E (800 BC) - Elohistic source (uses “Elohim” = generic word for God)E (800 BC) - Elohistic source (uses “Elohim” = generic word for God) D (650 BC) - Deuteronomic source (mostly in Deuteronomy)D (650 BC) - Deuteronomic source (mostly in Deuteronomy) P (550 BC) - Priestly source (priestly perspective)P (550 BC) - Priestly source (priestly perspective)

I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)A.A. Creation of the world (Gen. 1-2)Creation of the world (Gen. 1-2)

1.1. Two accounts of CreationTwo accounts of Creationa.a. P-account (1:1-2:4a) – P-account (1:1-2:4a) – majestic, poetic accountmajestic, poetic account

Elohim – generic Hebrew word for “God”Elohim – generic Hebrew word for “God” Begins with dark, watery chaosBegins with dark, watery chaos Orderly – seven days (light-humans)Orderly – seven days (light-humans) Humans made “in image of God”Humans made “in image of God” Creation is pronounced “good”Creation is pronounced “good” Rested on 7Rested on 7thth day – “Sabbath” rooted in structure of creation day – “Sabbath” rooted in structure of creation

b.b. J-account (2:4b-25) – J-account (2:4b-25) – down-to-earth accountdown-to-earth account Yahweh (“LORD” in all-caps indicates Hebrew text has Yahweh (“LORD” in all-caps indicates Hebrew text has

“Yahweh”) – personal name of Israel’s god (other sources defer “Yahweh”) – personal name of Israel’s god (other sources defer use of “Yahweh” until Exodus 3)use of “Yahweh” until Exodus 3)

Different imagery: begins with dry, barren desertDifferent imagery: begins with dry, barren desert Different order: Man (“Adam” = “man/mankind”) – made firstDifferent order: Man (“Adam” = “man/mankind”) – made first Garden of Eden (“delight”) – vegetationGarden of Eden (“delight”) – vegetation Animals – naming of animals symbolizes dominion over themAnimals – naming of animals symbolizes dominion over them Woman (“Eve” = “life”) – last but not leastWoman (“Eve” = “life”) – last but not least Tree of Life – symbolizes potential for immortalityTree of Life – symbolizes potential for immortality Tree of Knowledge – symbolizes testing of obedienceTree of Knowledge – symbolizes testing of obedience

I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)2.2. Literal or theological?Literal or theological?

a.a. Literal – Literal – historical, scientific accurate account of originshistorical, scientific accurate account of origins Then what do we do with differences between accounts?Then what do we do with differences between accounts? What do we do with differences from scientific findings?What do we do with differences from scientific findings?

b.b. Theological – point is in the theological messageTheological – point is in the theological message Faith affirmation: Israel’s God created all that is.Faith affirmation: Israel’s God created all that is. Mankind has special place in creation and in relationship with Mankind has special place in creation and in relationship with

Creator.Creator. Compatible with scientific theories: God created world; evolution Compatible with scientific theories: God created world; evolution

is how he did it!is how he did it!

3.3. Genesis vs. Genesis vs. Enuma Elish Enuma Elish (Babylonian account)(Babylonian account)a.a. Similarities: Similarities: both bringboth bring order out of chaos; have similar sequence of order out of chaos; have similar sequence of

creation; presuppose pre-scientific “three-storied universe.”creation; presuppose pre-scientific “three-storied universe.”b.b. Differences: Differences:

Nature of God – polytheism vs. monotheism.Nature of God – polytheism vs. monotheism. Nature of humanity – Nature of humanity – lowly afterthought vs. crowning glory.lowly afterthought vs. crowning glory.

c.c. Distinctive of Genesis is not scientific description but theological Distinctive of Genesis is not scientific description but theological perspective.perspective.

4.4. Conclusion: Conclusion: read Genesis not for scientific explanation but for read Genesis not for scientific explanation but for theological message.theological message.

Three-Storied UniverseThree-Storied Universe

I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)

B.B. The Fall (Gen. 3) – Rebellion in the GardenThe Fall (Gen. 3) – Rebellion in the Garden1.1. SinSin

Ate forbidden fruit (not called apple)Ate forbidden fruit (not called apple) Sin is rebellion against God.Sin is rebellion against God.

2.2. JudgmentJudgment Serpent – crawl on bellySerpent – crawl on belly Woman – increased pain in childbirthWoman – increased pain in childbirth Man – unrewarded laborMan – unrewarded labor Expulsion from Garden – Expulsion from Garden – lost immortality; alienated from lost immortality; alienated from

God.God.

3.3. Grace Grace (God’s continuing care in spite of sin)(God’s continuing care in spite of sin)

Made clothingMade clothing Allowed to bear childrenAllowed to bear children

I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)I. Primeval History (Gen. 1-11)

SinSin JudgmentJudgment GraceGrace

Rebellion in Rebellion in Garden Garden (Gen. 3)(Gen. 3)

Ate forbidden fruitAte forbidden fruit Crawl; pain in Crawl; pain in childbirth; toil; childbirth; toil; expulsionexpulsion

Clothing; childrenClothing; children

Cain and Abel Cain and Abel (Gen. 4)(Gen. 4)

Murder (fratricide)Murder (fratricide) Unrewarded labor; Unrewarded labor; wanderer without wanderer without protectionprotection

Protective markProtective mark

Great flood Great flood (Gen. 6-9)(Gen. 6-9)

General General multiplication of multiplication of wickednesswickedness

Universal floodUniversal flood Noah’s arkNoah’s ark

Tower of Babel Tower of Babel (Gen. 11)(Gen. 11)

Building of city Building of city and towerand tower (self- (self-seeking pride)seeking pride)

Confusion of Confusion of language; scattering language; scattering of peopleof people

Call and promise to Call and promise to Abraham; Israel to be Abraham; Israel to be redemptive people of redemptive people of God (Gen. 12 ff.)God (Gen. 12 ff.)

II. Patriarchal History (Gen. 12-50)II. Patriarchal History (Gen. 12-50)

A.A. Abraham (Gen. 12-25)Abraham (Gen. 12-25)1.1. Founding “father” of IsraelFounding “father” of Israel (“Abraham” = “father of many”)(“Abraham” = “father of many”)

2.2. Abraham’s “call and promise” (Gen. 12:1-3) Abraham’s “call and promise” (Gen. 12:1-3) a.a. Demand: Go to a new land which God will show him.Demand: Go to a new land which God will show him.

b.b. Promise: Great nation (Israel).Promise: Great nation (Israel). Descendants – many heirs – Israel as “chosen people.”Descendants – many heirs – Israel as “chosen people.” Land – “Promised Land.”Land – “Promised Land.” Israel to be instrument of blessing for all nations.Israel to be instrument of blessing for all nations.

3.3. Migration from Mesopotamia (Ur/Haran) to CanaanMigration from Mesopotamia (Ur/Haran) to Canaana.a. Promised Land is known as Canaan or Palestine.Promised Land is known as Canaan or Palestine.

b.b. Strategically located between Egypt and Mesopotamia.Strategically located between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

4.4. Theme of barrenness of Sarah (and other patriarchal Theme of barrenness of Sarah (and other patriarchal wives) and struggle to trust God’s promise.wives) and struggle to trust God’s promise.

5.5. Abraham is revered by all three major monotheistic Abraham is revered by all three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam.religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam.

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II. Patriarchal History (Gen. 12-50)II. Patriarchal History (Gen. 12-50)

B.B. Isaac (Gen. 21-26)Isaac (Gen. 21-26)1.1. Born in old age of Abraham and Sarah – Born in old age of Abraham and Sarah – evidence that evidence that

promise will be fulfilled.promise will be fulfilled.

2.2. (Near) “sacrifice”/binding of Isaac (Gen. 22) – (Near) “sacrifice”/binding of Isaac (Gen. 22) – moving/ moving/ disturbing story ofdisturbing story of testing of Abraham’s faith; ram is substituted.testing of Abraham’s faith; ram is substituted.

C.C. Jacob (Gen.27-35)Jacob (Gen.27-35)1.1. Trickster/deceiver – Trickster/deceiver – cheated older twin brother Esau out of birthrightcheated older twin brother Esau out of birthright

2.2. Refuge in Mesopotamia with uncle Laban; deceived into marrying Refuge in Mesopotamia with uncle Laban; deceived into marrying Leah before Rachel; running feud with LabanLeah before Rachel; running feud with Laban

3.3. Return to Canaan; strange nocturnal wrestling match; name Return to Canaan; strange nocturnal wrestling match; name changed to “Israel” (= “one who contends with God”)changed to “Israel” (= “one who contends with God”)

4.4. Twelve sons (Gen. 35:23-26) – ancestors of 12 tribes of IsraelTwelve sons (Gen. 35:23-26) – ancestors of 12 tribes of Israel

D.D. Joseph story (Gen. 37-50)Joseph story (Gen. 37-50)1.1. Sold into slavery by older, jealous brothersSold into slavery by older, jealous brothers2.2. Rises to power in Egypt by interpreting the pharaoh’s dreams.Rises to power in Egypt by interpreting the pharaoh’s dreams.3.3. Famine brings patriarchal family to settle in delta of Egypt.Famine brings patriarchal family to settle in delta of Egypt.4.4. Genesis closes in Egypt – background of Exodus.Genesis closes in Egypt – background of Exodus.

III. The Exodus III. The Exodus (Exodus-Deut.)(Exodus-Deut.) – c. 1290 – c. 1290 BCBC““Exodus” = “the going out” – deliverance from slavery in Egypt led by MosesExodus” = “the going out” – deliverance from slavery in Egypt led by Moses

A.A. Deliverance from EgyptDeliverance from Egypt1.1. Oppression in Egypt (Ex. 1)Oppression in Egypt (Ex. 1) – new pharaoh enslaves Israelites – new pharaoh enslaves Israelites

2.2. Preparation of Moses (Ex. 2-4)Preparation of Moses (Ex. 2-4)a.a. Hidden by Hebrew parents – adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.Hidden by Hebrew parents – adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.b.b. Kills Egyptian slave master – flees to Midian.Kills Egyptian slave master – flees to Midian.c.c. Burning bush experience – God reveals his name “Yahweh;” Burning bush experience – God reveals his name “Yahweh;”

commissions Moses to rescue Hebrew slaves.commissions Moses to rescue Hebrew slaves.3.3. Confronting the Pharaoh (Ex. 5-12)Confronting the Pharaoh (Ex. 5-12)

a.a. ““Let my people go.” Pharaoh refuses, increases Hebrews’ burdens.Let my people go.” Pharaoh refuses, increases Hebrews’ burdens.b.b. Ten Plagues – Yahweh vs. gods of Egypt; 10Ten Plagues – Yahweh vs. gods of Egypt; 10thth plague – death. plague – death.c.c. Preparations: marked doors with lamb’s blood; special meal with Preparations: marked doors with lamb’s blood; special meal with

lamb, unleavened bread, etc.; ate in haste, shoes on, staff in hand. lamb, unleavened bread, etc.; ate in haste, shoes on, staff in hand. 4.4. Deliverance at the Sea (Ex. 12-15)Deliverance at the Sea (Ex. 12-15)

a.a. Was it the Red Sea (Greek text) or Reed Sea (Hebrew text)?Was it the Red Sea (Greek text) or Reed Sea (Hebrew text)?b.b. Who made the wind blow?Who made the wind blow?

5.5. Significance of the ExodusSignificance of the Exodus a.a. Central event in history of Israel; made Israel into a nation, people of Central event in history of Israel; made Israel into a nation, people of

God; reveals Yahweh as a caring, redeeming God.God; reveals Yahweh as a caring, redeeming God.b.b. Passover – annual Jewish celebration of Exodus; reenacts night of Passover – annual Jewish celebration of Exodus; reenacts night of

1010thth plague. plague.

III. The Exodus III. The Exodus (Exodus-Deut.)(Exodus-Deut.) – c. 1290 – c. 1290 BCBC

B.B. Covenant at Mt. SinaiCovenant at Mt. Sinai1.1. CovenantCovenant

““An agreement binding two parties together under An agreement binding two parties together under mutual obligation.”mutual obligation.”

Many types.Many types. Based on God’s deliverance of Israel (Ex. 19:4-6).Based on God’s deliverance of Israel (Ex. 19:4-6).

2.2. Ten CommandmentsTen Commandments Stipulations (terms) of the covenant.Stipulations (terms) of the covenant. Known as “Decalogue” (“ten words”).Known as “Decalogue” (“ten words”). Found in Exodus 20 and Deut. 5.Found in Exodus 20 and Deut. 5. ““Absolute” form (“Thou shalt/not…”)Absolute” form (“Thou shalt/not…”)

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The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments

Preamble (Ex. 20:2): God’s deliverance (exodus) puts Israel under obligation.Preamble (Ex. 20:2): God’s deliverance (exodus) puts Israel under obligation.

Vertical DimensionVertical Dimension

I.I. Worship no other gods Worship no other gods (henotheism).(henotheism).

II.II. No idols (images of No idols (images of God).God).

III.III. No misuse of God’s No misuse of God’s name.name.

IV.IV. Keep the Sabbath (no Keep the Sabbath (no work on seventh day).work on seventh day).

Horizontal DimensionHorizontal Dimension

V.V. Honor the parents.Honor the parents.VI.VI. No murder/killing No murder/killing

(unauthorized taking of (unauthorized taking of human life).human life).

VII.VII. No adultery (violation of No adultery (violation of another man’s wife).another man’s wife).

VIII.VIII. No stealing.No stealing.IX.IX. No false witness (lying No false witness (lying

in court).in court).X.X. No coveting No coveting (unrestrained (unrestrained

desire)desire)..

III. The Exodus III. The Exodus (Exodus-Deut.)(Exodus-Deut.) – c. 1290 – c. 1290 BCBC

B.B. Covenant at Mt. Sinai (cont.)Covenant at Mt. Sinai (cont.)3.3. Additional law codesAdditional law codes

Gathered in Exodus-Deut.Gathered in Exodus-Deut. Detailed civil, criminal, and religious ordinances.Detailed civil, criminal, and religious ordinances. ““Covenant code” (Ex. 21-23) – conditional form Covenant code” (Ex. 21-23) – conditional form

(“if…then”).(“if…then”). Instructions for Tabernacle (Ex. 25-30; 35-40) – Instructions for Tabernacle (Ex. 25-30; 35-40) –

portable tent sanctuary.portable tent sanctuary. Leviticus – priestly instructions on sacrifices, holy Leviticus – priestly instructions on sacrifices, holy

days, ritual purity, etc.days, ritual purity, etc. Deuteronomy (“second law”) – exhortation to keep Deuteronomy (“second law”) – exhortation to keep

commandments in form of speeches of Moses.commandments in form of speeches of Moses.

The TabernacleThe Tabernacle

Ark of

Covenant

Holy Place

Holy of Holies

Outer Court

Altar

LaverCandelabra

Bread of the Presence

Ince

nse

A

ltar

III. The Exodus III. The Exodus (Exodus-Deut.)(Exodus-Deut.) – c. 1290 – c. 1290 BCBC

C.C. Wilderness wanderings Wilderness wanderings (most of Numbers)(most of Numbers)

1.1. Aborted attempt to enter Canaan (Num. 13-14)Aborted attempt to enter Canaan (Num. 13-14)a.a. 12 spies report “giants” in the land.12 spies report “giants” in the land.

b.b. People lack faith to enter.People lack faith to enter.

2.2. Forty years “wandering in wilderness”Forty years “wandering in wilderness”a.a. Hardships; rebellion; God’s provisionHardships; rebellion; God’s provision

b.b. Manna; water from rock; quail (similar stories before getting to Manna; water from rock; quail (similar stories before getting to Sinai)Sinai)

D.D. Moses’ farewell Moses’ farewell (Deuteronomy)(Deuteronomy)

1.1. People are camped in Transjordan, ready to cross.People are camped in Transjordan, ready to cross.

2.2. Moses exhorts Israel to keep covenant with God.Moses exhorts Israel to keep covenant with God.

3.3. Moses sees Canaan from mountain top, then dies and is Moses sees Canaan from mountain top, then dies and is buried in Transjordan (Deut. 34).buried in Transjordan (Deut. 34).

4.4. Leadership passes to Joshua.Leadership passes to Joshua.

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