The Pentateuch as Narrative

1. God's Creation: A Foundation for Covenant

For Moses, the God of the Sinai covenant was the Creator of the universe and Lord of history.

Cosmic Scope. The Pentateuch begins with the creation of the universe, establishing that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity but the sovereign Lord of all creation. This sets the stage for understanding the covenant as a cosmic event, not just a national one.

Land and Blessing. The creation account emphasizes the preparation of the land and the blessing of humanity, themes that are central to the covenant with Abraham and the subsequent history of Israel. The land is not merely a geographical location but a gift from the Creator, and the blessing is not just material prosperity but a relationship with God.

• The land is prepared for human habitation (Ge 1:2–2:3)
• Humanity is created in God's image (Ge 1:26–27)
• God blesses humanity (Ge 1:28)

God's Sovereignty. The creation account establishes God's absolute authority and power over all things, which is the basis for his right to demand obedience and loyalty from his people. The covenant is not a contract between equals but a gracious act of the Creator toward his creatures.

2. The Fall: A Pattern of Disobedience and Exile

Moses would have to warn the people of their failure and encourage them in their faith and trust in God.

Human Rebellion. The story of the Fall in Genesis 3 is not just a historical event but a pattern of human rebellion against God's will. The desire for autonomy and the rejection of God's authority are recurring themes throughout the Pentateuch.

Consequences of Sin. The Fall resulted in exile from God's presence, a loss of innocence, and a life of toil and hardship. These consequences are not merely individual but also affect the entire human race.

• Loss of innocence (Ge 3:7)
• Exile from the Garden (Ge 3:23–24)
• Toil and hardship (Ge 3:17–19)

Need for Redemption. The Fall highlights the need for redemption and restoration, which is the central theme of the Pentateuch. The covenant with Abraham and the Law given at Sinai are all part of God's plan to address the problem of sin and its consequences.

3. Abraham: A Model of Faith and Promise

For Moses, the author of the Pentateuch, biblical Israel was not an ordinary people and Israel’s history was not an ordinary history.

Chosen Seed. Abraham is presented as the chosen seed through whom God's blessing would be extended to all nations. His life is a model of faith and obedience, even though he also experienced moments of doubt and failure.

Covenant Promises. God's covenant with Abraham includes the promise of a great nation, a land, and a blessing that would extend to all peoples. These promises are the foundation of all subsequent covenants and are central to the Pentateuch's message.

• A great nation (Ge 12:2)
• A land (Ge 12:7)
• A blessing to all nations (Ge 12:3)

Faith and Obedience. Abraham's life is a testament to the importance of faith and obedience in the life of God's people. He is not presented as a perfect individual but as one who trusted God and followed his commands, even when they were difficult or unclear.

4. Moses: A Mediator of Law and Grace

Moses set out to recount other things as well in the Pentateuch. For example, a central concern was his view of God.

Chosen Leader. Moses is presented as the chosen leader of Israel, the one through whom God delivered his people from bondage in Egypt and gave them the Law at Sinai. His life is a model of leadership, but also a reminder of the limitations of human leaders.

Mediator of the Covenant. Moses is the mediator of the Sinai covenant, the one who received the Law from God and transmitted it to the people. He is also the one who interceded for the people when they sinned, demonstrating the importance of both law and grace.

• Received the Law from God (Ex 20)
• Interceded for the people (Ex 32)
• Led the people through the wilderness (Ex 13–14)

Limitations of Leadership. Despite his great role in Israel's history, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, a reminder that even the greatest leaders are subject to God's judgment and that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises lies beyond human agency.

5. The Law: A Path to Holiness and Blessing

For Moses, the author of the Pentateuch, biblical Israel was not an ordinary people and Israel’s history was not an ordinary history.

Divine Instruction. The Law (Torah) is presented as God's instruction for his people, a guide for how they are to live in relationship with him and with each other. It is not merely a set of rules but a revelation of God's character and will.

Holiness and Separation. The Law emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from the practices of the surrounding nations. Israel was to be a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes.

• Prohibition of idolatry (Ex 20:3–6)
• Regulations for clean and unclean (Lev 11–15)
• Separation from the Canaanites (Dt 7:1–6)

Limitations of the Law. The Pentateuch also acknowledges the limitations of the Law, showing that it cannot ultimately bring about the righteousness that God desires. The Law is a guide, but it cannot change the human heart. The need for a new covenant is implied throughout the Pentateuch.

6. The Tabernacle: A Dwelling Place of God

We fail to see the tabernacle as the author’s view of a return to the Garden of Eden.

God's Presence. The tabernacle is presented as the dwelling place of God among his people, a tangible symbol of his presence and his desire to be in relationship with them. It is a portable sanctuary, a reminder that God's presence is not limited to a specific location.

Symbolic Representation. The tabernacle and its furnishings are rich in symbolism, representing various aspects of God's character and his plan for redemption. The ark, the table, the lampstand, and the altar all point to a deeper spiritual reality.

• Ark: God's presence and covenant
• Table: God's provision and fellowship
• Lampstand: God's light and guidance
• Altar: God's atonement and sacrifice

Return to Eden. The tabernacle is presented as a return to the Garden of Eden, a place where God and humanity could dwell together in harmony. The tabernacle is a microcosm of God's good creation, a place where his holiness and glory are made manifest.

7. The Priesthood: A Ministry of Atonement

We may also miss the author’s argument that the purpose of the Sinai covenant was the redemption and blessing of “all the families of the earth” (Ge 12:3).

Mediators of the Covenant. The priests are presented as mediators between God and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle. They are a reminder that access to God is not automatic but requires a specific means of approach.

Atonement for Sin. The priesthood is primarily concerned with the problem of sin and its consequences. The sacrifices they offer are a means of atonement, a way of restoring broken relationships with God.

• Burnt offering: Complete devotion to God
• Grain offering: Thanksgiving and dedication
• Peace offering: Fellowship and reconciliation
• Sin offering: Atonement for unintentional sins
• Guilt offering: Restitution for wrongs

Limitations of the Priesthood. The Pentateuch also acknowledges the limitations of the priesthood, showing that it cannot ultimately bring about the perfect atonement that God desires. The need for a new priesthood is implied throughout the Pentateuch.

8. The Wilderness: A Time of Testing and Provision

There is an appreciable loss of sense when we view the Genesis narratives without following them all the way to Sinai and the conquest.

Testing of Faith. The wilderness wanderings are presented as a time of testing for Israel, a period in which their faith and obedience were put to the test. The people repeatedly failed to trust God and rebelled against his authority.

Divine Provision. Despite their failures, God remained faithful to his promises and provided for their needs in the wilderness. He gave them manna, quail, and water from the rock, demonstrating his power and his care for his people.

• Manna and quail (Ex 16)
• Water from the rock (Ex 17)
• Guidance by the pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:21–22)

Lessons of the Wilderness. The wilderness wanderings serve as a reminder that the journey to the Promised Land is not easy and that it requires constant reliance on God's grace and guidance. The wilderness is a place of testing, but also a place of learning and growth.

9. The Promised Land: A Gift of God's Grace

There is an even greater loss when we attempt to read the exodus, wilderness, and conquest narratives apart from those in Genesis.

Inheritance of the Fathers. The Promised Land is presented as a gift from God, a fulfillment of the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is not a reward for Israel's righteousness but a demonstration of God's faithfulness to his covenant.

Place of Rest and Blessing. The Promised Land is a place of rest and blessing, a place where God's people can dwell in peace and security. It is a place where they can worship him and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

• A land flowing with milk and honey (Ex 3:8)
• A place of rest (Dt 12:9–10)
• A place of blessing (Dt 28:1–14)

Responsibility of Possession. The possession of the land is not without responsibility. Israel was to drive out the Canaanites and destroy their idols, and they were to live in obedience to God's Law. The land was not merely a place to live but a place to worship and serve God.

10. The Cycle of Sin, Judgment, and Redemption

We may also miss the author’s argument that the purpose of the Sinai covenant was the redemption and blessing of “all the families of the earth” (Ge 12:3).

Recurring Pattern. The Pentateuch reveals a recurring pattern of sin, judgment, and redemption in the history of God's people. This pattern is evident in the stories of the Fall, the Flood, the golden calf, and the wilderness wanderings.

Human Failure. The Pentateuch does not shy away from the reality of human failure and the consequences of sin. It shows that even God's chosen people are prone to rebellion and disobedience.

• The Fall (Ge 3)
• The Flood (Ge 6–9)
• The golden calf (Ex 32)
• The wilderness wanderings (Nu 13–14)

Divine Grace. Despite human failure, God remains faithful to his promises and continues to offer redemption and restoration. His grace is the driving force behind the entire narrative of the Pentateuch.

• God's covenant with Abraham (Ge 12)
• God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Ex 12–14)
• God's provision in the wilderness (Ex 16–17)
• God's forgiveness and restoration (Ex 34)

The Pentateuch is not just a history of Israel but a story of God's faithfulness and his ongoing work of redemption. It is a story that continues to unfold in the lives of his people today.

Last updated: January 15, 2025