PENTATEUCH AND HEXATEUCH
Introduction
PEAH BPRE 2104: PENTATEUCH AND HEXATEUCH
This course surveys the Pentateuch and Historical books with emphasis on those
historical events which bear upon God’s unfolding plan to save humankind. Selected
themes with salvation implications are explored in a special way as books of the Old
Testament are surveyed. Questions of introduction and content of the Pentateuch will
be addressed with special emphasis on themes and passages of great theological
import. Comparisons of the life, laws, literature, customs and institutions of Israel with
those of the present day will be made.
Introduction
The first five books of the Old Testament – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers and Deuteronomy – are known to the Jewish people as Books of
the Law. These Five Books (“Pentateuch”) have been among the most
authoritative and influential religious writings in human history, and the
foundation for many of the beliefs of both Jews and Christians. Here we are
first introduced to the God of the entire universe, are told how that universe
(and humanity) came into existence, what is broken in the human condition,
how the Hebrew people were created and became God’s unique
representatives on earth, and much more. This class will consider the
history, structure, content and themes of the Pentateuch in a more in-depth
way than in previous Old Testament survey courses.