Genesis • Exodus • Leviticus • Numbers • Deuteronomy
English Bibles are often divided into six major sections: Pentateuch, History, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels and Acts, and Letters and Revelation. The Pentateuch (meaning “five-volumed book”) comprises the first major section of the OT. It is also known as the Torah (“Law”). Here God’s earliest covenants with his chosen people are described and confirmed.
The five books of Moses are primarily accounts of the history of God’s covenant people (Israel). Beginning with Genesis, the narrative moves from a broad view of the universe and all creation to human beings in general and God’s role for them in the world. From this view of mankind as a whole, the account narrows from a focus on all nations to Abraham and one nation—Israel as the vassal people of the divine King and his kingdom. The last four books tell the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, their assent to the Sinaitic covenant, and their wandering in the Desert of Sinai because of unbelief and disobedience at Kadesh Barnea (Nu 13–14; see note on Heb 3:16–19).