2 Months in The Pentateuch: Love the Lord Your God

“…The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

​And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deut. 6:4-7

Pentateuch in the Greek language means "five books." The Pentateuch, also known in Jewish tradition as the Torah, is a collection of the first five books of the Bible. Torah in the Hebrew language means "teaching, direction, guidance, and law." 

These books are considered sacred by Christians and are also central to the Jewish faith. The Pentateuch includes the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Sometimes, you'll hear these five books called the Books of the Law. These five books are regarded as the most authoritative part of the Old Testament. Authoritative in large part because these books contain the laws given by Yahweh.

​The Pentateuch, or Torah, was until the late 19th century thought to have been composed by Moses. Today, not all Bible scholars agreed with this. Some believe that Ezra the Priest may have written the Pentateuch based on notes made by Moses. The books depict a series of beginnings. These beginnings include the creations of the world and mankind. The books also describe the beginning of God's covenant with the Israelites. ​

• Genesis, the first book of the Pentateuch, tells the story of creation. We also read about the fall of mankind and the great flood. We are introduced to and read of the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
  
  
• Exodus, the second book of the Pentateuch, recounts the story of the Israelites. We read of their enslavement in Egypt and their subsequent liberation. Moses, led by God, leads the people on a journey through the wilderness toward the promised land.
  
  
• Leviticus, the third book of the Pentateuch, provides instructions. There are instructions for the priests and the people of Israel. There are instructions concerning worship and sacrifice. There are also instructions about the observance of holy days and festivals. Finally, we read instructions and laws related to moral and ethical conduct.
  
  
• Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, tells of the events of the wilderness journey. These events included the census of the tribes and the rebellion of Korah. We also read of the sending of spies to explore the land of Canaan.
  
  
• Deuteronomy, the final book of the Pentateuch, records many of Moses' speeches. This included his final speech to the Israelites before his death. Some of his speeches are recapitulations of the laws given in earlier books. He reminds the people of the instructions on the observance of the law. He also challenges the people to remain faithful to God and his commandments.

The Pentateuch is an important religious text in both Christianity and Judaism. Some would say it is irrelevant to our lives today but I strongly disagree. It is considered by scholars to be one of the foundational texts of Western civilization. Its influence can be seen in aspects of culture and society. We even see parts of it influencing our law and ethics. In many ways, the Pentateuch is the story of our relationship with God and His creation. We see God's Character unfold through His names throughout the Pentateuch. 

2 Months in The Pentateuch is a breakout Bible study from the book Sweeter Than Honey. If you enjoy this 2-month study, you will also enjoy Sweeter Than Honey. Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey that leads the reader through God’s Word in chronological order of book authorship.

Have you ever considered doing a deep-dive study into the Pentateuch?