Session 1B: Starting From the Big Picture- Genesis

1) THE PENTATEUCH a)The first five books of the Bible are commonly referred to as the “Pentateuch”. b)In Hebrew, it is commonly known as Torah which means, “law,” “teaching,” or “instruction.”

2. The Books of the Pentateuch I. Genesis beginning generations Derived from the Greek word Geneseos, which means “beginning” or “generations”

2. The Books of the Pentateuch II. Exodus exitdeparture Derived from the Greek word Exodos, which means “exit” or “departure.”

2. The Books of the Pentateuch III. Leviticus Levites Derived from the Greek Septuagint title Leuitikon, which means “pertaining to the Levites.”

2. The Books of the Pentateuch V. Deuteronomy: SECOND DERIVED FROM THE GREEK SEPTUAGINT DEUTERONOMION TOUTO, “THIS SECOND LAW.” THIS IS A MISTRANSLATION OF 17:18, “A COPY OF THIS LAW”

3. AUTHORSHIP Moses a)Traditionally, the Jews accept Moses as the author of the Pentateuch. a)The Talmud. b)Philo and Josephus

6) MOSAIC AUTHORSHIP b. Biblical Claims I)Pentateuch (1)The song in Exodus 15 was attributed to Moses. (2)God told Moses to record the account of the battle with the Amalekites (Exod. 17:14). (3)At Mount Sinai, Moses wrote all the words of the law and repeated to the people (Exod. 24:4). This “Book of the Covenant” (Exod. 24:7) apparently included Exodus (4)He wrote the Ten Commandments (Exod. 34:27). (5)Numbers 33 (v.2) states that Moses recorded the stages of Israel’s journey. (6)The book of Deuteronomy is actually in the form of several addresses delivered by Moses. (7)Deut 31:9, 24 stated that Moses finished writing the law from beginning to the end in a book. (8)Deuteronomy 32 was Moses’ song.

6) MOSAIC AUTHORSHIP b. Biblical Claims II)Other Parts of the Old Testament (1)“…Obey all the law my servant Moses gave you…” (Josh 1:7) (2)All the words of the Book of the Law of Moses were read to the people (Josh 8:31, 34-35) (3)Joshua urged the people to obey “all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses” (Josh 23:6) (4)David told Solomon to keep the laws written in the Law of Moses (1 Kings 2:3). (5)“Book of Moses” (2 Chron 25:4; Ezra 6:18; Neh 13:1).

6) MOSAIC AUTHORSHIP b. Biblical Claims III)New Testament (1)References to the “Law of Moses” or the “Book of Moses” (cf. Mark 12:26). (2)The word, “Moses” represents all his writings, e.g. “Moses and the Prophets” (Luke 16:29, 31; 24:27; Acts 26:22). (3)Paul made references to words spoken by Moses (Rom 10:5), readings from Moses (2 Cor. 3:15)

c)However, the author did not see the need to identify himself/herself anonymous i)In a way the Pentateuch is an anonymous work since it does not state its authorship unequivocally. authentic ii)The lack of a visible identity of authorship does not discredit the works to be less authentic. iii)On the contrary, this very silence in identifying its authorship lines the Pentateuch on the same level as other documents of antiquity.

GENESIS a)Significance i)History: ii)World: iii)Theology: iv)Bible:

4b. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS a)PART 1: Genesis I)Focus: Origin of the Nations (1)Four Events: (a)Creation (1-2) (b)Fall (3-5) (i)Cain and Abel (4) (ii)Adam’s Table (5) (c)Flood (6-10) (i)After the Flood (9) (ii)The Table of Nations (10) (d)Tower (11)

4b. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS a)PART 2: Genesis I)Focus: Origin of the nation Israel II)Four People: (1)Abraham (12-25) (2)Isaac (25-26) (3)Jacob (27-36) (4)Joseph (37-50)

Formlessness Changed to Form Emptiness Changed to Habitation vv 3- 5 Day 1 Light vv Day 4 Luminaries (sun, moon, stars) vv 6- 8 Day 2 Air (upper expanse) Water (lower expanse) vv Day 5 Fish, Birds vv Day 3 Dry land plants vv Day 6 Animals, Man

Chapter 1Chapter 2 StrokesBroadFine FocusGeneral view Painting specific features Creation of humanity ClimaxCenterpiece God’s Attributes Transcendence: Sovereign, eternal, powerful, apart from creation Immanence: Caring, meticulous, gentle, relational IntroducesGodHumanity

Session 1B: Starting From the Big Picture- Genesis

Barrenness Emphasizes God’s divine activity

Younger usurps the older Emphasizes God’s grace

Family Conflicts Emphasizes the result fop the Fall

Deception Emphasizes God’s ability to turn evil unto good.

g) MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS & THE PENTATEUCH

i)Sovereignty of God

g) MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS & THE PENTATEUCH ii)Sin

g) MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS & THE PENTATEUCH iii)Covenant for Salvation

g) MAJOR THEMES OF GENESIS & THE PENTATEUCH iv)Sanctification (Holiness)