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RELG 201 Biblical Literature Lecture 03 Claflin University Dr. David Battle
The Pentateuch
The Pentateuch provides the foundational source for Judaism and Christianity.
Pentateuch: Authorship
Tradition
Moses with the assistance of Joshua Pentateuchal witness
Exod. 24: 4-7; 34:27 Deut. 31:24-26
If these traditions are taken at face value, then the Pentateuch was written around 1400 B.C.
Explicit Links
Ezra 6:18 (c. 430 B.C. & 515 B.C.) Mal 4:4 (c. 430 B.C.) 2 Kings 14:6 (c. 580 B.C. & c. 780 B.C.)
Implicit links
2 Samuel 24 (before 580 B.C. & 1000 B.C.) Exod. 30:11-16
The Pentateuch
The Five Books of Moses Part Two:
RELG 201 Biblical Literature Lecture 03 Claflin University Dr. David Battle
Some early critics believed that writing was not invented. Theological reflections are too advanced.
When people were polytheist, the Pentateuch depicts Monotheism.
Pentateuch
The Bible is a very complex and subtle work. There are many sub themes but they are all intended to be read together.
Umberto Cassuto (1883-1951)
Elohim indicated a more abstract and universal depiction of God. Yahweh (J or LORD) indicated a more personal depiction of God.
Umberto Cassuto 1883-1951
The Pentateuch
The Five Books of Moses Part Three: A Brief Survey of the Pentatuech
RELG 201 Biblical Literature Lecture 03 Claflin University Dr. David Battle
Biblical Worldview
Monotheism Humanity made in the image of God. Capable: Some autonomy: Arrogant: Humanity operates under a curse and limits imposed by God.
The Account of Abraham's son Ishmael (25:12-18) The Account of Abraham's son Isaac (25:19-35:29)
Isaac and Jacob Narratives
Patriarchal History
Abrahamic Narratives (Gen. 11:27-25:18) Isaac and Jacob Narratives(Gen 25:19-37:1)
Joseph Narratives (Gen. 37:2-50:26)
Abrahamic Narratives
God calls Abram and establishes a covenant with him.
God makes four promises (Gen. 12:1-4). Abraham is puts the Covenant in jeopardy. Abraham attempts to supplant the Covenant.
Abraham obeys and believes God. God confirms His Covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
God brings forth a nation (Exod. 1:1-13:16). The people journey from Egypt to Sinai (Exod. 13: 17-19:2). God establishes His Covenant with the people of Israel (Exod. 19:3-Num. 10:10). The people wander the wilderness (Num. 10:11-21:20). Israel on the Plains of Moab (Num. 21:21-26:13)
Themes: God reveals Himself to the world and redeems a people for Himself.
Sub-Themes
Israel grudgingly trust God which brings divine judgment. Moses intercede for the people. God blesses the people in spite of their unfaithfulness.
A Holy Priesthood
God tabernacles with His people (Exod. .
A holy God requires a holy people. A place to worship God. The proper rituals for worshiping God. The proper dcor for holy leaders. ESV Study Bible
Leviticus
Main Characters:
Aaron and his sons. The Tribe of Levi
Israelite Sacrifices
Five Major Offering
Name
Burnt Offering Grain Offering Peace Offering Sin Offering (ESV Study Bible 217)
Emphasis
underscores prayers of petition or praise pleasing aroma; often mirrors emphasis of the offering it accompanies fellowship with the Lord by having a communion meal atonement of a committed sin; metaphor of purification atonement of a committed sin; metaphor of compensation for wrongdoing
Focus is on the general Focus is on the proper procedure or reasons handling, eating, or for the offerings disposal of the offerings
Leviticus 1 Leviticus. 2 Leviticus 3 Lev. 4:15:13 Lev. 6:813 Lev. 6:1423 Lev. 7:1136 Lev. 6:2430
Guilt Offering
Lev. 5:146:7
Lev. 7:110
The worshiper committed himself to God through the whole Burnt Offering. The worship culminated with a communal meal in the form of a Peace Offering.
* There is no offering mentioned for intentional sin.
Israelite Festivals
ESV Study Bible 247
The Sabbath principle permeates each of these feasts, which are intended to express the divine-human relationship. Each feast requires (1) cessation from ordinary work and (2) dedication to the Lord by means of offerings.
Feast Sabbath Passover Reference Lev. 23:3 Lev. 23:48 Lev. 23:914 Lev. 23:1521 Lev. 23:2325 Lev. 23:2632 Lev.23:3336 General time of year Weekly Spring Specific time of year 7th day 14th of first month (Abib) 16th of first month (Abib) 1st of third month (Sivan) 1st of seventh month (Tishri) 10th of seventh month (Tishri) 15th22nd of seventh month (Tishri) Modern equivalent Saturday March/April (Easter) Significance Creation Salvation
First fruits
Spring
March/April (Easter)
Dedication
Weeks
Spring
Pentecost
Dedication
Trumpets
Fall
Late September
Day of Atonement
Fall
September/October
Booths
Fall
October
Deuteronomy
Main Characters:
Moses and Joshua
Theme: Moses exhorts the people of Israel to follow the way of life and to shun the path of death.
Deuteronomy
Conflict: Moses cannot enter the promise land, but must get the people ready.
Transfer of leadership. New generation comes of age.
Deuteronomy
Sets the stage for the Historical Books.
Deuteronomistic History Former and Latter Prophets
The Pentateuch
The Five Books of Moses Part Three: Literary Genres in the Pentateuch
RELG 201 Biblical Literature Lecture 03 Claflin University Dr. David Battle
Specialized Narratives
Etiologies Genealogies Itineraries
George E. Mendenhall
Deuteronomy as Treaty
Preamble (Deut 1:1-5) Historical Prologue (Deut 1:6-4:43) Stipulations of the Covenant (Deut 4:44-26:19)
The Great Commandments (Deut 4:44-11:32) Supplementary Requirements (Deuteronomy 12-26)
Ratification; Covenant Curses and Blessing (Deuteronomy 27-30) Leadership Succession under the Covenant (Deuteronomy 31-34)
Taken from NIV Study Bible
Ritual Code
(Exod. 34:10-36
Deuteronomic Code
(Deuteronomy 12-26)