The Torah also called Pentateuch (Greek, meaning five books) is composed of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. This blog is going to begin the discussion with the book of Genesis.
Genesis can be outlined by the following:
Primeval history (Chapters 1-11)
The creation (Chapters 1-2)
The fall (Chapters 3-11)
The cause (Chapter 3)
The effects (Chapters 4-11)
Patriarchal history (Chapters 12-50)
Abraham (Chapters 12-25)
Jacob (Chapters 26-36)
Joseph (Chapters 37-50)
We can further outline by units.
The story of creation (1: 1-2:3)
The generations of the heavens and the earth (2:4-4:26)
The generations of Adam (5:1-6:8)
The generations of Noah (6:9-9:29)
The generations of the sons of Noah (10:1-11:9).
The generations of Shem (11:10-26)
The generations of Ishmael (25:12-18)
The generations of Isaac (25:12-18)
The generations of Esau (25:19-35:29)
The generations of Esau (36:1-37:1)
The generations of Jacob (37:2-50:26)
Genesis, the first book of the Torah, means beginning or origin. It documents the
creations by God our divine (bārā) sovereign Lord and creator. Genesis (1-11) is a historical narrative of genealogy. It also contains a cosmic epic with supernatural elements due to the following events: God’s creation of the universe; Noah and the flood; and the Tower of Babel. These events created by God set the standards for morals, ethics, goodness, commandments, commitment, love, human worth and universal human rights. It shows God’s omnipotence, holiness, goodness, omniscience, and faithfulness.
Jesus Christ affirmed that the historicity of the creation was the word of God (Matt. 8:11, 15:4, 24:15, 37-38). Perception is based on experiences of knowledge, environment, understanding of ancient text language and understanding the intent of the spoken word in the Bible. When we read Scripture each of us may see the written word different due to our perceptions. We can start with a few basics to help us in our perception of the Scripture. One, acknowledge who the author is (Moses). Two, make a conclusion of the author’s (Moses) original meaning when he wrote this for the people of Israel about 1450-1410 B.C. in the Middle East.
Genesis 1-11 is the foundation for faith being the absolute truth of God—is the reality. Hebrews 11:3, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Paul states in Colossians 1:16, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers—all things were created by Him and for Him.” Paul also spoke as Scriptures as “God breathed” or inspired (2 Tim. 3:16).
The historicity of Adam and Eve laid the foundation for several issues in theology. One we are made in the image (likeness) of God (Genesis 5:1). We are part of God’s spiritual family. We are moral beings with the knowledge of right and wrong. While we cannot separate ourselves from evil we are capable of being holy (Ephesians 4:24). Two, the basis for marriage was established (Matt. 19:4-6). Three, humans are to populate the world. Four, we are to have a relationship with God. Five, we will have redemption through forgiveness.
Because of the creation of sin, the Book of Romans provides the basis for the belief that death is the result of sin as prior to sin entering the world—no living creature experienced death (Romans 5:12). Adam brought sin and death. Jesus Christ brought righteousness and life (Genesis 3:1). Jesus Christ proves the historicity of Adam and Eve with His lineage through David, Abraham and Adam (Luke 3:23-28, 36).
Adam and Even created the fall of man into sin and everyone feels their sin. When sin occurred is when we lost our intimacy with God. Satan will always abound to try and commit humans to sin. We earn the righteousness of Jesus Christ if we repent our sins and place our faith into Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
This was an overview. Next week, in-depth look at the creation.