CONTRIBUTION TO THE BIBLE

Genesis lays the groundwork for everything else we read and experience in Scripture. Through Genesis we understand where we came from, how we got in the fallen state we are in, and the beginnings of God’s gracious work on our behalf. Genesis unfolds God’s original purpose for humanity.

Genesis provides the foundation from which we understand God’s covenant with Israel that was established with the giving of the law. For the Israelite community, the stories of the origins of humanity, sin, and the covenant relationship with God helped them understand why God gave them the law.

EXODUS, BOOK OF The story of God’s miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Records the Israelites’ journey to Mount Sinai, where they agree to become God’s covenant people and begin to learn how to worship and obey Him.

The book of Leviticus continues where Exodus left off. Israel is at Mount Sinai and Yahweh’s presence has entered the tabernacle (Exod 40:34–38). Leviticus begins with Yahweh instructing Moses on the procedures for sacrifices and offerings that he is to pass on to the people of Israel. The biblical law given to Israel at Sinai encompasses Exod 20:1–Num 9:14, including the entire book of Leviticus.

The theme of Numbers is the gradual fulfillment of the promises to Abraham that his descendants would be the people of God and occupy the land of Canaan. The book shows the reality of God’s presence with Israel in the cloud of fire over the tabernacle, but the repeated displays of unbelief by Israel delay the entry into Canaan and cost many lives. Nevertheless, by the end of the book, Israel is poised to enter the land.

Deuteronomy, the last installment of Moses’ biography, contains his last three sermons and two prophetic poems about Israel’s future. Reflecting on the nation’s past mistakes, he urges the people not to repeat those mistakes when entering the Promised Land. Israel’s entry fulfills the promises made to the patriarchs, but if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.