- 1 - Genesis - This 'book of beginnings' contains very ancient material, describing man's place in God's creation and the unfolding of human history. It begins with an account of how the universe came into existence - 1:1-2:4 - followed by narratives about Adam and Eve and their sin of disobedience - 2:5- 3:24 - The descendants of Adam are described and after this the reasons for a disastrous flood and its consequences. - 4:1-5:32, 6:1-9:29 - Nations spread across the Near East after the Flood - 10:1-11:32 - and Abraham became prominent after obeying God's call. - 12:1-25:11 - Thereafter the narratives continue with Ismael, Isaac, and Jacob - 25:12-36:43 - concluding with the story of Joseph's career. - 37:1-50:26 -
Genesis is important for its theology of creation, sin, and the divine plan of salvation because it provides answers about these matters. If Sacred Scripture did not begin in this way, New Testament theology would have little foundation in history. Genesis deals with real peoples. Near Eastern archaeological discoveries provide an important background to the narratives which describe their activities. The covenants between God and persons such as Noah and Abraham point forward to the covenant under Moses at Mount Sinai. They also point to the new covenant in Jesus Christ.
No author is named for the Book of Genesis, although it has always been regarded as a cornerstone of the Law, and therefore probably written by Moses. In contrast to the artificial sources proposed by liberal criticism, genuine blocks of source material can be recognized in the narratives. Eleven such units can be recovered by stopping at the phrase, 'These are the generations [that is, family histories] of' and regarding that as the conclusion of a section rather than as heading. These units are written according to the pattern of ancient Mesopotamian writings.
Genesis was apparently complied by placing these units end to end and adding the stories of Joseph. Most probably the latter were written by Moses, who attached them to the ancient narratives and transferred the completed Book of Genesis to a leather scroll. There is no actual proof that the book was assembled in this manner, but it seems most probable.
- 2 - Exodus - This book deals with the miracle of Israel's deliverance from Egypt and with God's covenant relationship with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Preliminaries to the departure from Egypt - 1:1-4:28 - are followed by the circumstances leading up to the Exodus, including the ten 'Plagues Of Egypt' and the celebrating of the first PASSOVER - 4:29-12:36 - The deliverance from Egypt and the subsequent journey to Sinai - 12:37-19:2 - precede the giving of the Law of God through Moses - 19:3-31:8 - in spite of intervals of idolatry - 32:1-33:23 - A renewal of the covenant relationship is followed by narratives describing the construction of the Tabernacle.
The Book of Exodus continues Hebrew history from the death of Joseph, showing how the sons of Jacob became a distinctive nation. The Covenant was central to this event. It bound God and Israel in an agreement by which God undertook to provide for all His people's material needs, including a land in which to live, if they would worship Him alone as the one true God and live as a holy community. Central to the rules of the covenant were the 'Ten Commandments' which are still fundamental to any relationship with God . The tabernacle was a portable place of worship which was placed in the center of Israel's wilderness encampment, symbolizing God's presence in their midst.
- 3 - Leviticus - This is a book for both priest and peoples. The priests were responsible for teaching the Law to the people, conducting sacrificial worship in the tabernacle according to the directions given by God, and ordering the life of the community. Because Israel was meant to live as a holy people - Ex. 19:6 - Leviticus contained regulations for both the spiritual and material aspects of life. These rules can be divided into five sections: ( 1 ) - sacrificial laws - chapter 1 to 7 - ( 2 ) - laws governing ordination - chapter 8 to 10 - ( 3 ) - laws about impurities - chapter 11 to 16 - ( 4 ) - laws about holiness - chapter 17 to 26 - ( 5 ) - rules governing vows - chapter 27 -
All this material was divinely revealed to the nation of Israel directly from God. No part of it has been adopted from any other nation. The Year of Jubilee legislation is unique in the Near East. - 25:8-17 - Leviticus continues the narratives of Exodus, but it emphasizes the way in which His people are to live. Holiness must govern the community and this must be reflected by everyone, not just the priesthood. - 11:44 -
- 4 - Numbers - This book follows the lead given by Leviticus in emphasizing the holiness of Israel. All the various elements that make up the book bear upon this important concept. The book can be divided into three broad sections: ( 1 ) - the departure from Sinai - 1:1-11:11 - ( 2 ) - the journey to Kadesh - 10:11-20:21 - ( 3 ) - the journey from Kadesh to Moab. - 20:22-30:13 - The holiness of the tabernacle is central, as is the important place that the Levites occupied in relation to the Aaronic priesthood. - 8:5-26 - The description of the wilderness wanderings show how quickly divine blessing could turn to severe judgment whenever God's commandments were broken.
The disobedience and idolatry of the Israelites is a sad theme in Numbers. Even Moses was not totally obedient to God. Although he brought Israel to Moab and within sight of the Promised Land, he was not privileged to lead the nation across the Jordan River. The book ends with the nation looking forward to the settlement of Canaan.
- 5 - Deuteronomy - This book may be described as a covenant - renewal document that begins with a review of Israel's departure from Sinai - 1:1-4:40 - describes the religious foundation of the nation - 4:44-26:19 - re-establishes the covenant - 27:1-30:20 - and narrates the final days of Moses - 31:1-34:12 - In Deuteronomy Moses looks back upon God's blessing and provision while looking forward to the time when Israel will occupy the Promised Land.
The language of the book is noble oratory that glorifies the righteous and faithful God of Sinai and encourages the response of His people in obedience and faithfulness. The God reveals Moses' addresses is not only the Judge of all the earth, but also the loving Father of mankind. Moses predicts a dark future for the nation if it does not follow the covenant principles and remain faithful to God. Israel is reminded that the privileges of covenant relationship with God's also carry responsibilities.
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Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
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Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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