The word Pentateuch comes from a mixture of the Greek word penta, meaning “five” and teuchos, which can be translated “scroll.” Therefore, it simply denotes to the five scrolls that make up the first of three divisions of the Jewish canon. The name Pentateuch can be traced at least as far back as AD 200, when Tertullian referred to the first five books of the Bible by that name. Also known as the Torah, which is the Hebrew word meaning “Law,” these five books of the Bible are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
- MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS
Genesis is the book of beginnings. The word "bereshith" means "origins" or "beginnings." It sets the stage for the rest of the Bible, telling us God's plan for his creation. Genesis reveals the nature of God as Creator and Redeemer; the value of a human life (created in God's image and for his purpose); the terrible consequences of disobedience and sin (separating man from God); and the wonderful promise of salvation and forgiveness through the coming Messiah. For this reason, it is both necessary and helpful to part Genesis into six major contexts:
Pre-creation, Creation (Gen 1-2); The Fall (Gen 3-4); Noah through the Flood (Gen 5-10); The Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9); The Patriarchal Era (Gen 11:10-50)
- MAJOR THEMES OF EXODUS
There are several significant themes in the book of Exodus. Israel's slavery is a picture of man's slavery to sin. Ultimately only through God's divine guidance and leadership can we escape our slavery to sin. However, God also directed the people through the godly leadership of Moses. Typically God also leads us into freedom through wise leadership and through his word.
The people of Israel had been crying out to God for deliverance. He was concerned about their suffering and he rescued them. Yet Moses and the people had to exercise courage to obey and follow God. Once free and living in the desert, the people complained and began to yearn for the familiar days of Egypt. Often the unfamiliar freedom that comes when we follow and obey God, feels uncomfortable and even painful at first. If we trust God he will lead us into our Promised Land.
The institution of the law and the Ten Commandments in Exodus reveals the emphasis and importance of choice and responsibility in God's kingdom. God blesses obedience and punishes disobedience.
- MAJOR THEMES OF LEVITICUS
There are three significant themes in the book of Leviticus:
The Holiness of God - Holiness is spoken of 152 times in the book of Leviticus. It is mentioned here more than any other book of the Bible. God was teaching his people that they were to be set apart or "separated" for holiness. Just like the Israelites, we are to be different from the world. We are to devote every area of our lives to God. But how can we, sinful people, worship and obey a holy God? Our sin must be dealt with first. For this reason Leviticus opens with instructions for offerings and sacrifices.
The Way to Deal with Sin - The sacrifices and offerings detailed in Leviticus were a means of atonement, or symbols of repentance from sin and obedience to God. Sin required a sacrifice - a life for a life. The sacrificial offerings had to be perfect, spotless, and without defect. These were a picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who gave his life as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, so we would not have to die.
Worship - God showed his people in Leviticus that the way into God's presence, the path into worship, was opened through the sacrifices and offerings made by the priests. Worship then, is about relationship with God and letting him into every part of our lives. This is why Leviticus carefully detailed rules of conduct for practical daily living. Today we know that true worship begins with accepting Christ's sacrifice for sin. Worship as a Christian is both vertical (toward God) and horizontal (toward men), involving our relationship with God and how we relate with people.
- MAJOR THEMES OF NUMBERS
A census or count of the people was needed to prepare them for future tasks. The first census organized the people by tribes, for their journey ahead. The second census, in Chapter 26, counted the men 20 years and older who could serve in the army. Planning is wise if we face a major task.
Rebellion against God brings bad consequences. Instead of believing Joshua and Caleb, the only two spies who said Israel could conquer Canaan, the people did not trust God and refused to cross into the Promised Land. For their lack of faith, they wandered 40 years in the desert until all but a few of that generation had died.
God does not tolerate sin. God, who is holy, let time and the desert take the lives of those who disobeyed him. The next generation, free of the influence of Egypt, were prepared to be a separate, holy people, loyal to God. Today, Jesus Christ saves, but God expects us to make every effort to drive sin from our lives.
Canaan was the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Jewish people grew in numbers during their 400 years of slavery in Egypt. They were now strong enough, with God's help, to conquer and populate the Promised Land. God's word is good. He rescues his people and stands by them.
- MAJOR THEMES OF DEUTERONOMY
History of God's Help - Moses reviewed God's miraculous help in freeing the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt, and the people's repeated disobedience. Looking back, the people were able to see how rejecting God always brought calamity upon them.
Review of the Law - The people entering Canaan were bound by the same laws of God as their parents. They had to renew this contract, or covenant with God before entering the Promised Land. Scholars note that Deuteronomy is structured as a treaty between a king and his vassals, or subjects, in that time period. It represents a formal agreement between God and his people Israel.
God's Love Motivates Him - God loves his people as a father loves his children, but he also disciplines them when they disobey. God does not want a nation of spoiled brats! God's love is an emotional, heart-love, not just a legalistic, conditional love.
God Gives Freedom of Choice - People are free to obey or disobey God, but they should also know they are responsible for the consequences. A contract, or covenant, requires obedience, and God expects nothing less.
Children Must be Taught - To keep the covenant, the people must instruct their children in God's ways and be sure they follow them. This responsibility continues through every generation. When this teaching becomes lax, trouble begins.
Source;
Pentateuch Study Notes, Central India Theological Seminary, Itarsi.
0 comments:
Post a Comment