Part 1:
This first part of the intro to the Pentateuch gives us a big picture look and introduction to the first five books of the Bible. We see that Genesis falls into two unequal parts (Primordial history and patriarchal history) and then the next three books (Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers) deal with the life of Moses and then they close out with Deuteronomy which is a code of civil and religious laws.
Part 2:
This second part deals with how and who wrote the Pentateuch. It notes that it was originally believed to be written solely by Moses but that this isn’t true. Instead, we see it coming from different times and authors. This part also deals with the different traditions that we see coming out of these books, which also hint at different authors of the books.
Part 3:
This portion deals with the Bible in its relation to world history. It shows how the whole Bible is not to be taken word for word as it says, “it would be unreasonable to expect the minute precision of a modern historian.” But it also shows how we can compare the Bible and history to more accurately place it in a timeline. Thus, this part gives a detailed response to the problem of the Bible and history.
Part 4:
This part introduces the idea of the Pentateuch as a series of laws. We see that these laws are holy laws given by God and from these we see different cods develop. Among these we see the Deuteronomic Code, the Law of Holiness, and the Code of the Covenant.
Part 5:
This last part gives witness to the religious significance of the Pentateuch. It shows that it traces the history of God’s relationship with the world and becomes the basis for the Law of Judaism. We see the numerous promises and covenants and as this part says, “The Promise, the Choice, the Covenant, the Law—these are the golden threads, the warp and the woof of the Pentateuch.” It is because of the Pentateuch that we get the foundations for the Bible, the laws given through God, and ultimately the reason for religion, belief, and faith.
John Seida 