Lecture Notes: Study of the Pentateuch

Introduction to the Pentateuch

• Definition: Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Bible; "Penta" means five, "teuch" means scrolls/books in Greek.
• Books Included: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
• Other Names: Torah (Hebrew term), Book of the Law of Moses.

Overview of Each Book

Genesis

• Hebrew Name: Breshit ("In the beginning").
• Theme: Origins of the world and God's people.

Exodus

• Hebrew Name: Shemot ("Names").
• Theme: Formation and emergence of Israel as a people; exiting Egypt.

Leviticus

• Hebrew Name: Vayikra.
• Theme: Legal codes and religious life centered around the Tent of Meeting and the Levites.

Numbers

• Hebrew Name: B'midbar ("In the wilderness").
• Theme: Journey of God's people in the wilderness; progression of their story.

Deuteronomy

• Theme: Second giving of the law; reflection on the law before entering the promised land.

Understanding the Pentateuch

• Torah as Instruction: Instructs on who God is and the relationship between God and humanity.
• Authorship and Compilation: Traditionally attributed to Moses, but modern scholarship explores multiple authorships.

Documentary Hypothesis

• Historical Context: Developed by scholars like Jean Astruc and Julius Wellhausen.
• Components: J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), P (Priestly source).
• Redaction Criticism: Explores how different traditions were woven together over time.

Diachronic vs. Synchronic Approaches

• Diachronic: Focuses on the text's development over time.
• Synchronic: Focuses on the text as it exists now, understanding its style and structure.

Scholarly Considerations

• Mosaic Authorship: Once assumed, now viewed as a more complex tradition.
• Nature of Biblical Text: Inspired, authoritative, and shaped over a long history.

Conclusion

• God's Sovereignty: The Pentateuch's compilation reflects God's power and revelation.
• Importance of Study: Understanding these texts is vital for theological insights and spiritual growth.