Interpreting the Pentateuch

In the nineteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we overview the book of Numbers and consider several legal passages in the Torah that seem to degrade women, beginning with the adultery test in Numbers 5.

The post P19 Numbers 1-10 Preparing to Leave Sinai first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the eighteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we focus in on the Day of Atonement, the central point to the book of Leviticus.

The post P18 Leviticus 16-17 Day of Atonement first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the seventeenth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we address the moral purity code of Leviticus considering the low bar of law as a code to govern civil society and the high bar of law as a call to moral perfection.

The post P17 Leviticus 18-20 Moral Purity first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the sixteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we address the ceremonial purity code categorizing the requirements, defining the meaning and function of the code, and asking, “Does any of this apply to me as a Christian?”

The post P16 Leviticus 11-15 Ceremonial Purity first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the fifteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series we consider the priesthood sections of Leviticus and also consider the difficulty of three narrative passages describing God’s severe execution of the death penalty.

The post P15 Leviticus 8-10, 21-22 Priesthood first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the fourteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series we begin the study of Leviticus as a challenge to be set apart as holy for God as members of his covenant community.

The post P14 Leviticus 1-7, 23-27 Ritual first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the thirteenth lesson of the Pentateuch series we consider the renewal of covenant with Israel after the sin of the golden calf, the symbolism of the tabernacle, and the incredible reality of God indwelling the tabernacle.

The post P13 Exodus 35-40 God Indwells the Tabernacle first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the twelfth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we come to the true climax of the book. The most insidious enemy resides within. God intends to dwell with his people, but while Moses is away Israel rebels, re-imagining the Lord as a golden calf.

The post P12 Exodus 25-34 Rebellion in the Camp first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the eleventh lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider how God established covenant with Israel, looking closely at Moses’ role as covenant mediator, the form of the covenant as a suzerain-vassal treaty, and the ratification of the covenant by blood and oath.

The post P11 Exodus 19-24 God Cuts Covenant first appeared on Observe the Word.

In the tenth lesson of the Pentateuch series, God destroys the gods of Egypt, making his name known to the nations and redeeming the nation Israel out of bondage but not without cost.

The post P10 Exodus 5-18 God Redeems Israel first appeared on Observe the Word.