The Pentateuch is the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy — traditionally attributed to Moses. They are also called the Torah ('instruction' or 'law') and form the foundation of the rest of Scripture.
Detailed answer
The word 'Pentateuch' comes from Greek meaning 'five scrolls.' These books tell the story of creation, the fall, the flood, the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and Israel's journey toward the Promised Land.1
In Jewish tradition these books are 'the Torah,' the heart of the Hebrew Scriptures. They establish key themes carried through the whole Bible: covenant, sacrifice, holiness, and God's promise to bless the nations through Abraham's offspring — ultimately fulfilled in Christ.2
Jesus and the New Testament writers repeatedly cite the Pentateuch as authoritative, and Jesus referred to 'the Law of Moses' as pointing to himself (Luke 24:44).3
Biblical basis
- Genesis 1:1ESV
- Exodus 20:1-17ESV
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9ESV
- Luke 24:44ESV
Theological explanation
Common errors
- 1.That the Old Testament law is irrelevant to Christians — it reveals God's character and points to Christ, even where its ceremonial aspects are fulfilled in him.
- 2.That Genesis is merely myth — it presents itself as the true account of God's creation and dealings with humanity.
Pastoral application
- a.Read the Pentateuch to understand the foundation of the gospel and God's covenant faithfulness.
- b.See how its promises and patterns are fulfilled in Jesus.
Notes
- 1.T. Desmond Alexander, From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012), ch. 1, on the shape and storyline of the five books.
- 2.Genesis 12:1–3; Galatians 3:8, 16. The Abrahamic promise of blessing for the nations is read by Paul as fulfilled in Christ.
- 3.Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:46. Jesus treats the Law of Moses as Scripture that bears witness to him.
- 4.Alexander, From Paradise to the Promised Land, parts 2–3, on creation, fall, and covenant as the Pentateuch's theological frame.
- 5.Hebrews 10:1–14; cf. the Epistle to the Hebrews throughout on the fulfillment of the Mosaic cultus in Christ.
Bibliography
- Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 3rd ed.. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012.
- Hamilton, Victor P.. Handbook on the Pentateuch. 2nd ed.. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.
- Sailhamer, John H.. The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.