How to Study the Bible: Survey of the Torah

As always, we'll start with a word of prayer and then, we need to open our Bibles to go through a quick outline of this book of the Bible. We could spend months on this, but that's not the plan with this study - I'm just trying to familiarize everyone with the Bible overall so that you know its general content, its highlights and so that you "kind of" know where things are.

GENESIS

Author: God, transcribed by Moses.

Date of Writing: The date of authorship is likely between 1440 and 1400 B.C. after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.

Purpose of Writing: The Book of Genesis has sometimes been called the "seed-plot" of the entire Bible. Most of the major doctrines in the Bible are introduced in "seed" form in the Book of Genesis. Along with the fall of man, God's promise of salvation or redemption is recorded (Genesis 3:15). The doctrines of creation, imputation of sin, justification, atonement, depravity, wrath, grace, sovereignty, responsibility, and many more are all addressed in this "seed" Book called Genesis.

Many of the great questions of life are answered in Genesis"

Where have I come from? (answered in Genesis 1:1)

Why am I here? (answered in Genesis 15:6)

Where am I going? (answered in Genesis 25:8).

Genesis is a fitting beginning for God's story of His love for mankind, the Bible.

Key Verses:

Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth

Genesis 3:15, And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel.”

Genesis 12:2-3, I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 50:20, You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

Brief Summary: One can divide the Book of Genesis into two sections: Primitive and Patriarchal History. Primitive history records (1) Creation (Genesis chapters 1-2); (2) the Fall of man (Genesis chapters 3-5); (3) the Flood (Genesis chapters 6-9); and (4) the dispersion (Genesis chapters 10-11). Patriarchal history records the lives of four great men: (1) Abraham (Genesis 12-25:8); (2) Isaac (Genesis 21:1-35-29); (3) Jacob (Genesis 25:21-50:14); and (4) Joseph (Genesis 30:22-50:26).

God created a universe that was good and free from sin. God created humanity to have a personal relationship with. Adam and Eve sinned and thereby brought evil and death into the world. Evil increased steadily in the world until there was only one family in which God found anything good. God sent the Flood to wipe out evil, but delivered Noah and his family along with the animals in the Ark. After the Flood, humanity began again to multiply and spread throughout the world.

God chose Abraham through whom He would create a chosen people and eventually the promised Messiah. The chosen line was passed on to Abraham's son Isaac, and then Isaac's son Jacob. God changed Jacob's name to Israel, and his twelve sons became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. In His sovereignty, God had Jacob's son Joseph sent to Egypt by the despicable actions of Joseph's brothers. This intended evil act eventually resulted in Jacob and his family being saved from a devastating famine by Joseph, who had risen to great power in Egypt.

Practical Application: God created the universe, the earth, and every living being. We can trust Him to handle the concerns in our life. God allows us to make our own decisions, and then allows us to live with the consequences of our decisions - but God never abandons us and promises deliverance to those who will trust in Him.

God can take a hopeless situation, such as Abraham and Sarah being childless, and do amazing things if we will simply trust and obey. Terrible and unjust things may happen in your life, such as Joseph, but God will bring about a greater good if we have faith in Him and His sovereign plan.

EXODUS

Author: Moses was the author of the Book of Exodus (Exodus 17:14; 24:4-7; 34:27).

Date of Writing: Between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: In God's timing, the exodus marked the end of a period of oppression for Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:13), and constituted the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenant promise to Abraham that his descendants would not only live in the Promise Land, but would also multiply and become a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3, 7). The purpose of the book may be expressed or stated as tracing the rapid growth of Jacob's descendants from Egypt to the establishment of the theocratic nation in their Promised Land.

Key Verses:

Exodus 1:8, Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done.

Exodus 2:24-25, God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.

Exodus 12:27, And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped.

Exodus 20:2-3, “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.
“You must not have any other god but me.

Brief Summary: Exodus continues what began in Genesis as God deals with His chosen people, the Jews. It traces the events from the time Israel entered Egypt as guests, until they were eventually delivered from the cruel bondage of slavery into which they had been brought.

The theme of redemption, or salvation, is expressed in both the Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13). Other major themes are the making of a covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 19:5-8), the accompanying laws which are part of the covenant (Exodus 20-24), and the worship of God as expressed through the construction and use of the sacred tent (tabernacle) of meeting with its furniture, sacrifices, and ceremonies.

By God's self-revelation, the Israelites were instructed in the sovereignty and majesty, the goodness and holiness, and the grace and mercy of their Lord, the One and only God of heaven and earth (Exodus 3, 6, 33, 34).

Practical Application: If we trust in the Lord, He can deliver us from anything. God does not allow sin to go unpunished forever. As a result, we can trust Him in His retribution and justice. When God removes us from a bad situation, we should not seek to go back. When God makes demands of us, He expects us to obey - but at the same time He provides grace and mercy because He knows that we will not always be able to fully obey.

LEVITICUS

Author: Moses.

Date of Writing: Between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The purpose of Leviticus is to provide instruction and laws to guide a redeemed people in their relationship with a holy God. Sin must be atoned for through the offering of proper sacrifices (chapters 8-10). Other topics covered in the book are diets (clean and unclean foods), child birth, and diseases which are carefully regulated (chapters 11-15). Chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement when an annual sacrifice is made for cumulative sin of the people. Furthermore, the people of God are to be circumspect in their personal, moral, and social living, in contrast to the then current practices of the heathen roundabout them (chapters 17-22).

Key Verses:

Leviticus 1:4, Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and the Lord will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him.

Leviticus 17:11, for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.

Leviticus 19:18, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Brief Summary: Various feasts were instituted in the people's worship of Jehovah God, convened and practiced according to God's laws. Blessings or curses would accompany either the keeping or neglect of God's commandments (chapter 26). Vows to the Lord are covered in Chapter 27.

The primary theme of Leviticus is "holiness." God's demand for holiness in His people is based on His own holy nature. A corresponding theme is that of "atonement." Holiness must be maintained before God, and holiness can only be attained through a proper atonement. Much of the ritualistic practices of worship picture in many ways the person and work of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Practical Application: Praise the Lord that because of Jesus' death on our behalf, we no longer have to offer animal sacrifices. Leviticus is all about substitution. The death of the animals was a substitute penalty for those who have sinned. In the same way, but infinitely better, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was the substitute for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).

NUMBERS

Author: Moses.

Date of Writing: Between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: The message of the Book of Numbers, is universal and timeless. It reminds believers of the spiritual warfare in which they are engaged, for Numbers is the book of the service and walk of God's people. The Book of Numbers essentially bridges the gap between the Israelites receiving the Law (Exodus and Leviticus) and preparing them to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy and Joshua).

Key Verses:

Numbers 6:24-26, ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

Numbers 12:6-8, And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say: “If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?”

Numbers 14:30-34, You will not enter and occupy the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. “‘You said your children would be carried off as plunder. Well, I will bring them safely into the land, and they will enjoy what you have despised. But as for you, you will drop dead in this wilderness. And your children will be like shepherds, wandering in the wilderness for forty years. In this way, they will pay for your faithlessness, until the last of you lies dead in the wilderness. “‘Because your men explored the land for forty days, you must wander in the wilderness for forty years—a year for each day, suffering the consequences of your sins. Then you will discover what it is like to have me for an enemy.’

Brief Summary: The Book of Numbers reveals God's instruction and preparation of His people to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. The importance of the Book of Numbers is indicated by its being referred to in the New Testament many times. The Holy Spirit called special attention to Numbers in 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. The words "all these things happened to them for examples" is significant.

In Romans 11:22, Paul speaks about the "goodness and severity of God." That, in a nutshell, is the message of Numbers. The severity of God is seen in the death of the old generation in the wilderness; these never entered the Promised Land. The goodness of God is realized in the new generation. God protected, preserved, and provided for these people until they possessed the land. This reminds us of the justice and love of God, which are always in sovereign harmony.

Practical Application: God is more than capable of handling any obstacle that is set before us. No matter how strong the enemy, no matter how difficult the journey, with God's help we can overcome. Truly trusting in the Lord means obeying Him even when we do not understand and even when we doubt our own abilities. God judges disobedience severely, but even in judgment, God's grace and mercy shines through.

DEUTERONOMY

Author: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy, which is in fact a collection of his sermons to Israel just before they crossed the Jordan. “These be the words which Moses spake” (1:1). Joshua probably wrote the last chapter.

Date of Writing: These sermons were given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. The first sermon was delivered on the 1st day of the 11th month (1:3), and the Israelites crossed the Jordan 70 days later, on the 10th day of the 1st month (Joshua 4:19). Subtract 30 days of mourning after Moses’ death (Deuteronomy 34:8), and we’re left with 40 days. The year was 1410 B.C.

Purpose of Writing: A new generation of Israelites was about to enter the Promised Land. This multitude had not experienced the miracle at the Red Sea or heard the law given at Sinai, and they were about to enter a new land with many dangers and temptations. The book of Deuteronomy was given to remind them of God’s law and God’s power.

Key Verses:

Deuteronomy 4:2, Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.

Deuteronomy 32:46-47, he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”

Brief Summary: The Israelites are commanded to remember four things: God’s faithfulness, God’s holiness, God’s blessings, and God’s warnings.

The first three chapters recap the trip from Egypt to their current location, Moab. Chapter 4 is a call to obedience, to be faithful to the God Who was faithful to them.

Chapters 5 through 26 are a repetition of the law. The Ten Commandments, the laws concerning sacrifices and specials days, and the rest of the law are given to the new generation. Blessings are promised to those who obey (5:29; 6:17-19; 11:13-15), and famine is promised to those who break the law (11:16-17).

The theme of blessing and cursing is continued in chapters 27-30. This portion of the book ends with a clear choice set before Israel: “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
(30:19).

In the final chapters, Moses encourages the people; commissions his replacement, Joshua; records a song; and gives a final blessing to each of the tribes of Israel. Chapter 34 relates the circumstances of Moses’ death. He climbed Mt. Pisgah, where the Lord showed him the Promised Land that he could not enter. At 120 years old, but still with good eyesight and the strength of youth, Moses died in the presence of the Lord. The book of Deuteronomy ends with a short obituary on this great prophet.

Practical Application: The book of Deuteronomy underscores the importance of God’s Word. It is a vital part of our lives. Although we are no longer under the Old Testament law, we are still responsible to submit to the will of God in our lives. Simple obedience brings blessing, and sin has its own consequences.

None of us is “above the law.” Even Moses, the leader and prophet chosen by God, was required to obey. The reason that he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land was that he disobeyed the Lord’s clear command (Numbers 20:13).

During the time of His testing in the wilderness, Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy three times (Matthew 4). In so doing, Jesus illustrated for us the necessity of hiding God’s Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).

As Israel remembered God’s faithfulness, so should we. The crossing of the Red Sea, the holy presence at Sinai, and the blessing of manna in the desert should be an encouragement to us as well. A great way to keep going forward is to take some time to look back and see what God has done.

We also have a beautiful picture in Deuteronomy of a loving God Who desires a relationship with His children. The Lord names love as the reason that He brought Israel out of Egypt “with a mighty hand” and redeemed them (Deuteronomy 7:7-9). What a wonderful thing to be free from the bondage of sin and loved by an all-powerful God

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