The Pentateuch, the first five books that
make up the Old Testament, is comprised of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and
Deuteronomy. It provides the reader with the background of information and a
foundation for the rest of the Bible. Beginning with the book of Genesis and
ending with the book of Deuteronomy, the reader begins to understand the
creation of the universe; the relationship of God to man, the introduction of
man’s first sin against God and the fall of man from grace. It provides us with
a genealogy of the tribes of Israel and the development of Gods plan for His
people and ultimately, all of mankind. With the exception of Genesis that
speaks of the creation, original sin, and God’s destruction of the world by the
great flood, the Pentateuch provides God’s Law to the Nation of Israel. Each
book contains a separate narrative of God’s relationship with Israel. One of
the primary purposes of the Pentateuch was to provide a covenant with the
people of Israel and His Laws and instruction for them to live by. By studying
the Pentateuch we learn the origin, purpose and bearing of God’s relationship
with Israel.
Genesis begins “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth” Before the creation, there existed nothing but God. This is a difficult concept for us to understand how God spoke the world into existence. This is why I believe it was included in the book. Genesis tells how man was created in God’s image, living in the paradise of the Garden of Eden, and acting as a companion for God. Alas, Satan influence man causing original sin which was man’s breaking away from the Will of God. Genesis tells of God’s desire to destroy the world because of the sin of man. Noah was found to be righteous, so God allowed him to be saved and to rebuild his people through the lineage of Abraham.
Genesis begins “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth” Before the creation, there existed nothing but God. This is a difficult concept for us to understand how God spoke the world into existence. This is why I believe it was included in the book. Genesis tells how man was created in God’s image, living in the paradise of the Garden of Eden, and acting as a companion for God. Alas, Satan influence man causing original sin which was man’s breaking away from the Will of God. Genesis tells of God’s desire to destroy the world because of the sin of man. Noah was found to be righteous, so God allowed him to be saved and to rebuild his people through the lineage of Abraham.
Exodus is about God delivering the Israelites
from slavery in Egypt. It is here where we begin to see God’s close
relationship with Israel. It is also a story of redemption. It tells of Moses,
who was called by God to deliver His children out of the bondage of Egyptian
slavery. We see God as the Yahweh, or sovereign Lord. After leaving Egypt, God
presents His law to Israel. This law, which includes the Ten Commandments,
gives Israel the framework for how they would live.
The Book of Leviticus was specifically written to provide instruction and guidance for the Levites. They were the priests of Israel. Their primary job was to act as intermediary with God and to teach the Israelites how to worship God. The priests were to make sacrifices to God as atonement for the sins of the nation. Following the guidelines presented in the book of Leviticus allowed the nation of Israel to be cleansed of their sins.
The Book of Leviticus was specifically written to provide instruction and guidance for the Levites. They were the priests of Israel. Their primary job was to act as intermediary with God and to teach the Israelites how to worship God. The priests were to make sacrifices to God as atonement for the sins of the nation. Following the guidelines presented in the book of Leviticus allowed the nation of Israel to be cleansed of their sins.
