Observe the Word

In the twenty-fourth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we get a handle on the overall structure of Deuteronomy by considering how style, form, and structure are developed through the three literary devices of discourse by Moses, suzerain-vassal treaty, and chiastic parallelism.

In the twenty-third lesson of the Pentateuch series, we pause between the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy to consider the issue of biblical parallels with Ancient Near Eastern texts, such as the flood story from the Gilgamesh Epic and the creation narrative from Enuma Elish. How do we explain parallel accounts of events, ideas, and rituals that occur outside the Bible?

In the twenty-second lesson of the Pentateuch series, we make the transition from the Grumbling Generation to the Second Generation with a concentrated look at the intriguing story of Balaam Blessing Israel, better known as Balaam and the donkey.

In the twenty-first lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider the second set of four incidents of grumbling during the Israelite's 40 years of wandering with a focus on Moses striking the rock and why God responded with such harsh punishment.

In the twentieth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider the grumbling of Israel through the middle section of Numbers and note principles of leadership modeled by Moses as he leads this contentious people.

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.

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

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.

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?"

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.