Interpreting the Pentateuch: Recent Episodes
Michael Brent
The Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, the Law of Moses and the first five books of the Bible, communicates both the law and the story that established Israel as a chosen people through whom "all the families of the earth shall be blessed (Genesis 12:3)." The character of God shines through the story as both a Lord of justice and a Lord of grace. In this series, Bible teacher Michael Brent guides listeners through an overview of the structure and thought of the Pentateuch, giving recognition to the important kingdom and covenant background of the Ancient Near East. While providing an overview, Michael also takes time to dig into significant passages with special concern to highlight often overlooked monuments of grace that communicate God's love and mercy throughout.
In the twenty-ninth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we complete our series, considering three aspects of deuteronomic law code with an emphasis on the laws for leadership found at the center of the book, the laws of king, priest, and prophet.
The post P29 Deuteronomy 12-26 King Priest Prophet first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the twenty-eighth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we examine the relationship between covenant obedience, covenant blessing, and covenant curse in the theological exhortation chapters of Deuteronomy 27-30 with a focus on the call to listen, love, and live.
The post P28 Deuteronomy 27-30 Listen and Love and Live first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the twenty-seventh lesson of the Pentateuch series, we continue to follow Jesus’ lead in the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for understanding the Ten Commandments as a moral paradigm for the whole law. Our focus in this lesson is on the first half of the Ten Commandments with a focus on loving …
Continue reading "P27 Deuteronomy 5.1-16 Ten Commandments – Love God"
The post P27 Deuteronomy 5.1-16 Ten Commandments – Love God first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the twenty-sixth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we follow Jesus’ lead in the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for understanding the Ten Commandments as a moral paradigm for the whole law. Our focus in this lesson is on the second half of the Ten Commandments.
The post P26 Deuteronomy 5.17-21 Ten Commandments – Love people first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the twenty-fifth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider the chiastic structure of the first theological exhortation section of Deuteronomy, chapters 4-11, and also consider the themes of exclusive faithfulness, self-awareness, and right motives in relation to the overarching theme of covenant obedience.
The post P25 Deuteronomy 4-11 Listen and Love first appeared on 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.
The post P24 Deuteronomy Form and Structure first appeared on Observe the Word.
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 …
Continue reading "P23 ANE Parallels"
The post P23 ANE Parallels first appeared on Observe the Word.
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.
The post P22 Numbers 22-25 Balaam Blesses Israel first appeared on Observe the Word.
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.
The post P21 Numbers 15-21 Moses Strikes the Rock first appeared on Observe the Word.
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.
The post P20 Numbers 11-14 Israel Grumbles in the Wilderness first appeared on Observe the Word.
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.
In the ninth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we move from Genesis our Kingdom Prologue to Exodus where Kingdom will be established. We focus in this lesson on the origin story and call of Moses.
The post P9 Exodus 1-4 Moses’ Backstory first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the eighth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we pause between Genesis and Exodus for one lesson to consider how ancient near eastern literature supports the unity and historicity of the biblical text while also providing insights into better interpretation.
The post P8 ANE Background Studies first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the seventh lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider God’s sovereign faithfulness to his covenant promise and how Joseph steps up as a positive participant in God’s plan.
The post P7 Genesis 36-50 Joseph and Judah first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the sixth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider covenant renewal made with Isaac and with Jacob, giving focus to Jacob’s struggle through life as the son of believing parents who wrestles with God, grasping for blessing but unable to trust.
The post P6 Genesis 23-35 Isaac and Jacob first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the fifth lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider Abraham as a model of faith and focus in on the second two essential covenant events in his life: the covenant sign in Genesis 17 and the covenant test in Genesis 22.
The post P5 Genesis 16-22 Abraham 2 first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the fourth lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider two out of four essential covenant events in Abraham’s life: the promise made in Genesis 12:1-3 and the covenant cut in Genesis 15:1-21.
The post P4 Genesis 12-15 Abraham 1 first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the third lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider closely the temptation and judgment of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and then step back to take a broad look at the effects of sin on all humanity described in Genesis 4-11.
The post P3 Genesis 3-11 Fall Flood Nations first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the second lesson of our Pentateuch series, we continue to follow the creation story as Moses focuses in on Adam and Eve and what he teaches us about work, covenant, intimacy, and gender.
The post P2 Genesis 2 Creation part 2 first appeared on Observe the Word.
This first lesson provides an introduction to the series and begins with the creation story of Genesis 1, considering three foundational questions that run through the Pentateuch: (1) Who is God? (2) Who are we? (3) And what’s our mission?
The post P1 Genesis 1 Creation part 1 first appeared on Observe the Word.
In the third lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider closely the temptation and judgment of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and then step back to take a broad look at the effects of sin on all humanity described in Genesis 4-11.
In the twenty-ninth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we complete our series, considering three aspects of deuteronomic law code with an emphasis on the laws for leadership found at the center of the book, the laws of king, priest, and prophet.
In the twenty-eighth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we examine the relationship between covenant obedience, covenant blessing, and covenant curse in the theological exhortation chapters of Deuteronomy 27-30 with a focus on the call to listen, love, and live.
In the twenty-seventh lesson of the Pentateuch series, we continue to follow Jesus' lead in the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for understanding the Ten Commandments as a moral paradigm for the whole law. Our focus in this lesson is on the first half of the Ten Commandments with a focus on loving God.
In the twenty-sixth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we follow Jesus' lead in the Sermon on the Mount as a guide for understanding the Ten Commandments as a moral paradigm for the whole law. Our focus in this lesson is on the second half of the Ten Commandments.
In the twenty-fifth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider the chiastic structure of the first theological exhortation section of Deuteronomy, chapters 4-11, and also consider the themes of exclusive faithfulness, self-awareness, and right motives in relation to the overarching theme of covenant obedience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the ninth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we move from Genesis our Kingdom Prologue to Exodus where Kingdom will be established. We focus in this lesson on the origin story and call of Moses.
In the eighth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we pause between Genesis and Exodus for one lesson to consider how ancient near eastern literature supports the unity and historicity of the biblical text while also providing insights into better interpretation.
In the seventh lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider God's sovereign faithfulness to his covenant promise and how Joseph steps up as a positive participant in God's plan.
In the sixth lesson of the Pentateuch series, we consider covenant renewal made with Isaac and with Jacob, giving focus to Jacob's struggle through life as the son of believing parents who wrestles with God, grasping for blessing but unable to trust.
In the fifth lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider Abraham as a model of faith and focus in on the second two essential covenant events in his life: the covenant sign in Genesis 17 and the covenant test in Genesis 22.
In the fourth lesson of our Pentateuch series, we consider two out of four essential covenant events in Abraham's life: the promise made in Genesis 12:1-3 and the covenant cut in Genesis 15:1-21.
In the second lesson of our Pentateuch series, we continue to follow the creation story as Moses focuses in on Adam and Eve and what he teaches us about work, covenant, intimacy, and gender.
This first lesson provides an introduction to the series and begins with the creation story of Genesis 1, considering three foundational questions that run through the Pentateuch: (1) Who is God? (2) Who are we? (3) And what's our mission?