The Overview of the Theology of the Pentateuch

The Overview

Introduction: Over the next few weeks, or months, we will gro through a series on the Pentateuch. Pentateuch, also known as the first five books of the Bible covers the following books, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deutoronmy. "Throughout the thirty-nine books one concept of deity is pervasive: God is the one trandescedent Creator. Even in the wisdom literature, there is no question about the concept of God." (p. 845)

There are six things that we are going to see throughout the theology and our study of the Pentateuch.

I. The Theological worldview.

As we look at the theological worldview of the Pentateuch we see that God is making a revelation of Himself. "Then Moses said to God, 'If I come to the people of Israel and say to them,' 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His name?' What Shall I say to them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you'" (Exodus 3:13-14, ESV).

This is when God appeared to Moses in the burning bush. However, we see in the prior verses of this same chapter that God says, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12, ESV).

"When the Old Testament (OT) says that God is 'with' someone, it stresses God's power that enables the person to carry out his calling." (ESV Study Bible, p. 148).

Not only are we seeing the idea of this in the Pentateuch, but there are many people that saw or see it as the law, “Torah,” which we will address in the coming weeks when we look at the Law in the Book of Leviticus.