An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch

An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch

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The Pentateuch—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy—are the vital first books in the Bible. Understanding their scope, meaning, and events is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture.

In An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch, Old Testament expert Herbert Wolf offers layreaders and scholars alike a solid introduction to the Pentateuch, going deep where he needs to while still providing a graspable overview.

Wolf first addresses the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch, giving special attention to Moses as its author. He then addresses each book specifically, covering topics such as purpose, context, and literary structure. He also explores critical issues specific to each book, like:

Genesis—the meaning of "day" in Genesis 1:1–2:3; the extent of the flood; the Abrahamic covenant; the Joseph narrative

Exodus—the significance of the plagues; Passover; the date of the Exodus; the Ten Commandments

Leviticus—meaning of the sacrificial system; the roles of priests and Levites; the Day of Atonement

Numbers—the twelve tribes; forty years in the wilderness; Balaam; preparation for the Promised Land

Deuteronomy—the "Shema;" covenant curses; the promise of blessing 

The Pentateuch—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy—are the vital first books in the Bible. Understanding their scope, meaning, and events is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture.

Going deep where he must while still giving a graspable overview, Wolf traces the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch and then addresses each book individually. He covers topics such as purpose, context, and literary structure, as well as critical issues specific to each book, like:

Genesis—the meaning of "day" in Genesis 1:1–2:3; the extent of the flood; the Abrahamic covenant; the Joseph narrative

Exodus—the significance of the plagues; Passover; the date of the Exodus; the Ten Commandments

Leviticus—meaning of the sacrificial system; the roles of priests and Levites; the Day of Atonement

Numbers—the twelve tribes; forty years in the wilderness; Balaam; preparation for the Promised Land

Deuteronomy—the "Shema;" covenant curses; the promise of blessing

HERBERT M. WOLF (Wheaton College, Dallas Theological Seminary, Brandeis University) was a well loved and respected professor of Old Testament at Wheaton Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois. A translator for the Old Testament section of the New International Version, Dr. Wolf is the author of a number of books including Haggai and Malachi, in the Everyman’s Bible Commentary Series, An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch, and Interpreting Isaiah as well as numerous journal, magazine, and encyclopedia articles.
1. Introduction
The Fivefold Division of the Pentateuch
The Unity of the Pentateuch
The Impact of the Pentateuch on the Old Testament
The Impact of the Pentateuch on the New Testament
The Theology of the Pentateuch
The Samaritan Pentateuch
The Literary Characteristics of the Pentateuch
The Significance of Moses

2. Authorship
The Case for Mosaic Authorship
Possible Sources Used by Moses
Alternative Views of the Formation of the Pentateuch
Recent Critical Approaches to the Pentateuch
Conclusion

3. Genesis
Title
Purpose and Scope
Literary Structure
Problems in Genesis 1-11
The Beginnings of the Nation of Israel

4. Exodus
Title
Purpose and Scope
Literary Structure
Liberation Theology
The Significance of the Plagues
The Passover
The Date of the Exodus
The Numerical Size of Israel
The Sinai Covenant
A Comparison with Other Ancient Law Codes
The Tabernacle as God’s Dwelling Place

5. Leviticus
Title
Purpose and Scope
Literary Structure
The Meaning of the Sacrificial System
The Role of the Priests and Levites
The Meaning of "Clean" and "Unclean"
The Day of Atonement
Holy Living
The Challenge to Obey

6. Numbers
Title
Purpose and Scope
Literary Structure
The Organization of the Tribes
Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea
Forty Years in the Wilderness
The Enigmatic Role of Balaam
Preparation for the Promised Land

7. Deuteronomy
Title
Purpose and Scope
Literary Structure
The Centrality of the "Shema"
The Covenant Curses: Paradigm for the Prophets

The Pentateuch—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy—are the vital first books in the Bible. Understanding the scope, meaning, and events of these five books is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture that follows.

 

Old Testament expert Herbert Wolf provides layreaders and scholars alike with a strong undergirding of understanding and knowledge in this introduction that reveals both the seriousness and excitement of the Pentateuch. Readers will find Adam, Abraham, 

Joseph, Moses, and Joshua in these pages, as well as terrible sin and glorious forgiveness, bloody sacrifices and battles, deadly betrayal and life-giving hope.

 

Wolf first addresses the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch, with special attention given to Moses as author of the five books. He then addresses each book specifically, covering topics such as purpose and scope, and literary structure. He tailors additional study to each specific book, for example:

 

•Genesis — the meaning of “day” in Genesis 1:1—2:3; the extent of the flood; the Abrahamic covenant; the Joseph narrative

 

•Exodus — the significance of the plagues; Passover; the date of the Exodus; the Ten Commandments

 

•Leviticus — meaning of the sacrificial system; the roles of priests and Levites; the Day of Atonement

 

•Numbers — the twelve tribes; forty years in the wilderness; Balaam; preparation for the Promised Land

 

•Deuteronomy — the “Shema;” covenant curses; the promise of blessing

 

This book contributes significantly to a clear, deep understanding of the Bible’s first five books.

Additional information

Weight 1 oz
Dimensions 1 × 6 × 9 in