An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch

by Wolf, Herbert .

• ISBN13: 9780802441560
• ISBN10: 0802441564
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781575674421
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780802441294
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-07-01
• Publisher: Moody Publishers
• More Book Details
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Summary

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 

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

1. IntroductionThe Fivefold Division of the PentateuchThe Unity of the PentateuchThe Impact of the Pentateuch on the Old TestamentThe Impact of the Pentateuch on the New TestamentThe Theology of the PentateuchThe Samaritan PentateuchThe Literary Characteristics of the PentateuchThe Significance of Moses2. AuthorshipThe Case for Mosaic AuthorshipPossible Sources Used by MosesAlternative Views of the Formation of the PentateuchRecent Critical Approaches to the PentateuchConclusion3. GenesisTitlePurpose and ScopeLiterary StructureProblems in Genesis 1-11The Beginnings of the Nation of Israel4. ExodusTitle Purpose and ScopeLiterary StructureLiberation TheologyThe Significance of the PlaguesThe PassoverThe Date of the ExodusThe Numerical Size of IsraelThe Sinai CovenantA Comparison with Other Ancient Law CodesThe Tabernacle as God's Dwelling Place5. LeviticusTitlePurpose and ScopeLiterary StructureThe Meaning of the Sacrificial SystemThe Role of the Priests and LevitesThe Meaning of "Clean" and "Unclean"The Day of AtonementHoly LivingThe Challenge to Obey6. NumbersTitlePurpose and ScopeLiterary StructureThe Organization of the TribesRebellion at Kadesh BarneaForty Years in the WildernessThe Enigmatic Role of BalaamPreparation for the Promised Land7. DeuteronomyTitlePurpose and ScopeLiterary StructureThe Centrality of the "Shema"The Covenant Curses: Paradigm for the Prophets