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What is it?

• Pentateuch is a Greek word that means “five books”
• The Pentateuch contains the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
•  In Hebrew, it’s known as the Torah, which means “law” or “instruction.”  
• Moses is considered the primary author of all five of these books.  

What do these books record?

• These first five books of the Bible are the foundation for the entire history of the Bible and the world!
• They narrate the history of God’s interaction with mankind from creation all the way to the Israelite’s entrance and conquest of the Promised Land.  

They cover the narratives of significant historical events such as:

• The Creation of the world (in Genesis)  
• The fall of man (in Genesis)  
• The flood (in Genesis)  
• God’s covenant with Abraham (in Genesis)  
• The exodus from Egypt (in Exodus)  
• The giving of God’s Law at Mount Sinai (in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)
• The wilderness wanderings (Numbers + Deuteronomy)

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The Pentateuch (or Torah), establishes the foundation for understanding God’s law, His relationship with Israel, and the coming of the promised Messiah.

 

What happens in each of the five books??

Genesis:

• “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)  Focuses on creation, the early history of mankind, and the lives of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph).
• Establishes God’s covenant with Abraham, setting the stage for the formation of Israel.

Exodus:

• Narrates the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, their deliverance under Moses, and the giving of the Ten Commandments.  
• Describes the construction of the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among His people.

Leviticus:

• Contains laws and instructions for the Levitical priesthood, including sacrifices, rituals, and moral purity.  
• Emphasizes God’s holiness and the need for His people to be holy.  

Numbers:

• Records the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, their rebellions, and God’s judgments.
• Includes census records and preparations for entering the Promised Land.  

Deuteronomy:

• Consists of Moses’ farewell speeches, reiterating the Law and exhorting the Israelites to remain faithful to God.
• Prepares them for entering and possessing the land of Canaan.

The Pentateuch reveals

God’s character

His covenant faithfulness

and His plan of redemption for not just his chosen people, but the entire world!