This article is part two of a short series covering the Old Testament, or Tanakh. If you haven’t read the first introductory article, click here.

I wrote this after going through a chronological, bible reading plan. As you’re reading through my summaries, watching videos from other authors, and seeking different perspectives, I want to remind you that we are all fallible, and there may be mistakes. Feel free to correct any errors as we learn together. I encourage you to delve into the Word for yourself, pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit, attend a church that teaches sound doctrine, and consult with your Pastor for further clarification.

The Law (Torah/Pentateuch)

The books of the Pentateuch, also known as The Law or Torah, consists of the first five old testament books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books establish important themes and explore the relationship between God and humanity, particularly with the Israelites.

Throughout the Pentateuch, we see the establishment of God’s covenants and the consequences when these covenants are not adhered to. The Torah books highlight the cycle of people sinning, falling away from God, and coming back into a restored relationship with Him.

The preservation of the first five books of the Bible is remarkable. They align accurately with the earliest manuscripts found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. The article provides a concise summary of each book, including subheadings and video overviews from the Bible Project.

While brevity is emphasized, there are moments where deeper insights, profound questions, and personal growth experiences are explored. Key concepts and takeaways are included at the end of each book section.

Genesis:

The first book of the Bible, Genesis covers various topics, such as the creation account, the fall of mankind, the global flood, and the lives of significant individuals in Jesus’ lineage. It took me approximately two months to read through Genesis, although I paused my reading around chapter 12 to delve into the book of Job, reading chronologically.

Exodus:

Exodus is a biblical narrative that recounts the growth of Jacob’s family, also known as Israel, from their enslavement in Egypt, and their eventual deliverance by God through Moses from the oppression of Pharaoh. The story also focuses on the establishment of the Law and the Ten Commandments, as well as the commencement of the construction of the tabernacle.

Israel Grows

In Egypt, Jacob’s family, known as Israel, multiply greatly. Fearing their numbers, Pharaoh orders the killing of male babies. However, the Hebrew midwives refuse to comply with this wicked decree, allowing the family to grow larger. Moses is born and his mother places him in a basket on the river, where Pharaoh’s wife finds and saves him. He’s even nursed by his biological mother, Jochebed; she has another son Aaron (Moses’s biological brother), who goes on to become Moses’s mouthpiece and high priest.

The Lord Commissions Moses

Growing up, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating a Hebrew and kills him. Fearing the consequences, he escapes to Midian and marries Zipporah, the daughter of a Midianite priest. Meanwhile, Pharaoh imposes harsher conditions on the Israelites, causing them to cry out for deliverance. God speaks to Moses through a burning bush. There, an angel of The Lord appears to Moses, calling out to him to remove his sandals as he is standing on Holy ground. Although the bush is burning, it is not consumed. Moses covers his face out of fear of looking at God. God tells Moses that He has seen the affliction of His people, heard their cries, and is aware of their suffering, so He has come down to deliver them. This is a Christophany, a parallel work, and foreshadowing of Jesus to come.

Moses questions God, asking, “Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God assures Moses that he will bring the people out of Egypt and that as a sign to them, they will worship God on a mountain. Moses further questions God, asking what he should say to the Israelites and what God’s name is. In Exodus 3:14, God declares, “I AM who I AM,” which is further foreshadowing as Jesus later echoes those same sentiments in John 8:58, declaring his divinity by saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.” God declares His memorial name to all generations as “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Moses is given powers. To demonstrate His power, God gives Moses the ability to turn his staff into a serpent and his hand to become leprous. He also instructs Moses to turn the Nile water into blood. Still, Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go, and God sends a series of seven plagues upon Egypt as a result, including frogs, insects, cattle dying, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness.

The Passover and Exodus

God institutes the Passover as a means of protection for the Israelites. They are to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. The angel of death passes over their homes, sparing their firstborn sons. Pharaoh finally relents, and the Israelites are instructed to leave Egypt. Moses leads them out, parting the Red Sea so they can pass through. When the Egyptians pursue them, the sea closes, drowning the Egyptians. Witnessing this incredible deliverance, the Israelites fear and believe in God.

The Israelites’ Complaints

Once they were delivered, the Israelites faced challenges. Firstly, they had no water for three days, and when they finally found water, it was bitter. Moses miraculously made it sweet and later provided water from a rock. God reassured them that if they followed His commandments, they would be spared the diseases that afflicted the Egyptians. The second complaint arose from a lack of food. The Israelites longed for the days in Egypt when they had an abundance of meat. God responded by providing Manna and instructing them on how to gather and consume it. Despite God’s provision, the people continued to complain, questioning His presence in Exodus 17:7.

The section made me ponder: If God called Moses to lead the people out of Egypt, why didn’t God provide immediately? Despite God’s miracles like turning bitter water sweet and raining manna in the wilderness, the Israelites seemed entitled and complained. They didn’t sincerely pray for provision or give thanks for deliverance. This reminds me to check my attitude, have humility, and give thanks in all circumstances.

Battle with Amalek, a New System of Judges, and the 10 Commandments

In Exodus 17, Moses and the Israelites faced a battle with their opponent Amalek. During the battle, Moses grew weak while Joshua prevailed. Recognizing the strain of leading such a vast number of people, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to appoint God-fearing and capable judges to help shoulder the burden of leadership responsibilities.

Later, at Mount Sinai, the Israelites were reminded of how God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt. Moses served as the intermediary between the people and God while God audibly spoke to Moses from within a thick cloud, so that the people could hear. It occurred to me that the people may have been resistant to Moses in the past due to the fact that they had never heard God’s voice. Until now, they had to trust Moses’ word as God’s. This demonstration reinforced the divine origin of Moses’ leadership and prepared the stage for the people to accept the validity of the Ten Commandments and the implementation of a new system of Judges.

The Ten Commandments:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any false gods.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Additional Laws

The introduction of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of a judiciary system marked a significant milestone in the relationship between God and the people of Israel. It provided them with clear moral guidelines to follow and a mechanism to enforce them. In addition to the commandments, God also gave laws regarding altars, slaves, restitution, property rights, sundry laws, the Sabbaths and feasts, and the land. These laws were meant to set the Israelites apart and purify them as they journeyed towards the land that God had promised them. An angel of the Lord was sent ahead of the people to lead them and drive out the non-Israelite nations that inhabited the land. Through these laws and actions, God guided his people towards the land extending from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates.

Moses Mountaintop Experience

In Exodus 24, God confirms His covenant with the people. Moses reads the book of the covenant to the people, and they agree to all the written words. God then writes the law and commandments on tablets of stone and instructs Moses to come up to the mountain to receive them. Accompanied by his assistant Joshua, Moses ascends the mountain and waits for six days. On the seventh day, God calls to Moses from the cloud atop the mountain. Moses remains there for 40 days with God.

Moving on to Exodus 25, God provides detailed instructions for the creation of various sacred items such as the ark of the covenant, the sanctuary, the table for bread, and the golden lampstand. These items are crafted meticulously, using materials like acacia wood, pure hammered gold, and adorned with cherubim and flowers. Even the color of the curtains, the number of loops, and the color of the loops are specified. Inside the tabernacle, there is a veil separating the holy place from the most holy place, known as the holy of holies. God also commands the use of pure beaten olive oil to light the lamp in the tent of meeting, outside of the veil. Aaron and his sons are tasked with tending to the lamp, from evening to morning, as a perpetual decree observed throughout their generations by the people of Israel (Exodus 27:20).

In Exodus 28, intricate details are given regarding the priestly garments, including a robe, a turban set, and a crown, as ornate as the ark of the covenant. Additionally, various sacrifices such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, freewill offerings, and a census tax are required, some being voluntary while others mandatory. In return for their adherence to this sacrificial system, God promises to be with them. Moreover, God has bestowed upon the Israelites the gift of craftsmanship, enabling them to construct the temple and its various elements.

Above all, the Israelites are commanded to observe the Sabbath as a sign between them and God throughout their generations, recognizing that it is the Lord who sanctifies them (Exodus 31:13). The seriousness of this commandment is evident as violating the sanctity of the Sabbath was punishable by death. It is upon Mount Sinai that God delivered these instructions and inscribed them onto tablets of stone with His own finger, for Moses to transmit to the people.

The Israelites Weariness and Idolism

The Israelites grew tired of waiting for Moses to return. They turned to Aaron and asked him to “make us gods who shall go before us.” Aaron took their gold, threw it into the fire, and crafted a golden calf. God informed Moses that the people had become corrupted, and He was ready to kill them. However, Moses reminded God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In response, the Lord relented from bringing disaster upon the Israelites. Moses descended from the mountain and, in his anger, shattered the first set of commandments upon seeing that the Israelites had impatiently turned to worshipping idols made of gold.

Before ascending the mountain, Moses instructed the Israelites to take up swords and declared, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.” Many of the Israelites had already broken away from the camp. Those who remained and chose the Lord’s side wielded their swords against their former companions, brothers, and neighbors who had abandoned their camp and, ultimately, God. As a result, three thousand people died that day. Interestingly, Aaron was not punished for making the calf, for more on that, check out: Why wasn’t Aaron punished for making the golden calf? | GotQuestions.org

The next day, Moses returned to the mountain to seek forgiveness from God and to carve the second set of commandments. He pleaded with God to forgive the people, even offering to have his name removed from God’s book, if it meant their forgiveness. God responded, saying, “I will blot out anyone who has sinned against me from my book.” This incident involving the golden calf reminds me of how Jesus came to teach, intercede, and purify us from our sins, even giving up his own life, before ascending to prepare a place for us. However, in today’s world, people still struggle with restlessness and the temptation of idolatry. It seems that we are a modern-day version of Israel, repeating the same cycle of sin.

As a consequence of the golden calf incident, God sent a plague upon the Israelites and commanded them to leave Sinai. However, Joshua refused to depart from the tent of meeting. Though Moses implored God to send someone else, God assured Moses that He Himself would accompany him. Moses then requested to behold God’s glory, but God explained that no one can see Him face to face and live. After carving the second set of commandments, God renewed the covenant with the Israelites, reiterating the instructions concerning sacrifices, Sabbaths, feasts, and the prohibition of worshipping other gods. When Moses descended from Sinai, his face radiated with a glowing light, which frightened the people. So, Moses covered his face with a veil.

Work on the Tabernacle Resumes

The remaining Israelites diligently worked on the construction of the tabernacle. Each person possessed a skill or craftsmanship gift that they contributed. The Spirit of God was with the people, He blessed them with skill, knowledge, and intelligence. The Spirit also inspired them to teach others. Each individual was led from their heart to contribute abundantly to the point where Moses had to ask them to stop, as the need had been more than fulfilled.

The picture of God filling His people to overflow, enabling them to work according to His purposes, is truly awe-inspiring. They crafted the ark of the covenant, the lampstand, the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, the court, the priestly garments, and the tabernacle – everything needed for worshiping God. The presence of the Lord manifested as a cloud by day and fire by night upon the tabernacle.

Key Concepts & Takeaways:

• God’s sovereignty over all and ability to perform miracles:
  • 10 Plagues
  • Parting of Red Sea
  • Deliverance of Israelites
  • Bitter water into sweet water, manna, and water from a rock
  • Ten commandments
• Election Present:
  • God’s use of Moses even in his weakness
  • God hardening Pharaoh’s heart
  • Passover of first-born males
  • Riddance of Israelites that falsely worshipped golden calf
• Sin:
  • The cyclical repetition of sin leading to purification and redemption
• Law:
  • The arrival of the law to reveal our sin nature
• Sabbath & Feasts Observed:
  • The significance of Sabbath and Feasts, particularly Passover
  • Sabbath violation being a sin with capital punishment

For a more in-depth exploration of Exodus, I recommend watching the two-part video series on Exodus by the Bible Project.

Leviticus:

The book of Leviticus is significant in understanding the sacrificial system and its requirements. It emphasizes the concept of atonement and highlights the contrast between God’s holiness and human imperfections. Leviticus also explores the significance of the Lord’s appointed times, providing a comprehensive account of their importance.

It’s worth noting that Jesus later addresses these themes in his teachings, offering deeper insights and a broader understanding of the principles established in Leviticus.

Instructions for Offerings: Burnt Offerings, Grain Offerings, Peace Offerings, Sin Offerings, and Guilt Offerings

In Leviticus 1-5, God speaks to Moses and instructs him to relay the laws regarding various offerings to the Israelites. These offerings include burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings (even for unintentional sins), and guilt offerings. To accommodate those who cannot afford more expensive offerings such as bulls and rams, there was a sliding scale for offerings of pigeons and turtle doves. Leviticus 6 focuses on the instructions for the priests and their role in the offering process. Notably, Leviticus 7:7 states that the guilt offering is the same as the sin offering – they are governed by the same law. The text specifies various requirements for how the offerings should be made, consumed, who can consume them, and which parts are reserved for the Lord. For example, the fat is designated for the Lord and the blood is prohibited from being consumed. The text also emphasizes the importance of cleanliness. Additionally, there are instructions for an ordination offering.

Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons for service in the Lord’s holy temple. The Lord accepts Aaron’s offerings. Moses and Aaron then enter the tent of meeting, and when they come out, they bless the people. A remarkable event occurs – fire comes out before the Lord and consumes the burnt offering and pieces of fat on the altar. Witnessing this, the people shout and fall on their faces in reverence. This is the first time a description of the Lord consuming the offering is mentioned, as well as the people’s reaction.

Tragic Incident: Nadab and Abihu’s Strange Fire

Leviticus 10 narrates a moment of emotional intensity met with a great tragedy. Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, decided to worship God in their own way. Ignoring the specified laws for offerings, they each took a censer, put unauthorized or “strange” fire in it, laid incense on it, and offered it before the Lord. As a consequence, they were consumed by fire and consequently killed. Moses informs Aaron and his remaining sons that they must not mourn for Nadab and Abihu. The Lord then directly instructs Aaron, commanding him not to drink wine or strong drink when entering the temple, teaching him to distinguish between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean, and disseminating the instructions given to Moses to the people of Israel. Leviticus 11-15 further elaborates on laws regarding cleanliness, purification, offerings, and leprosy. Adherence to these laws is essential for temple worship. For more exploration of the hot topic, consider reading my article: Strange Fire? Exploring Authentic Worship

Day of Atonement: A Response to Nadab and Abihu’s Sin

Chapter 16 introduces the ritual of the “day of atonement” as a direct response to the sin of Aaron’s sons. It is believed that their sin involved attempting to enter the holy of holies while intoxicated. As a result, additional sacrifices are required. Two goats are designated as sin offerings, one of which is sacrificed, while the other serves as the “scapegoat” sent out of the camp. This scapegoat foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who would take away our sins.

Called to Holiness: Laws on Sexual Relations and Holiness

The Israelites were called to be set apart from the practices of pagans, and Leviticus 18 reflects this by expanding on laws regarding sexual relations. The chapter explicitly prohibits incest, intercourse during menstruation, adultery, homosexuality, and addresses the issue of child sacrifice to the pagan god Molech, where children were either sacrificed or given to temple prostitution. These acts are labeled as abominations, and severe consequences are outlined, including being vomited out from the land and being cut off from the people. God declares such acts punishable by death, stating that He will set His face against those who commit them. Furthermore, God warns that if individuals turn a blind eye to those who engage in these practices without holding them accountable, He will also set His face against them. This warning applies to practitioners of divination, mediums, and necromancers as well. Leviticus 19 emphasizes the importance of holiness for the people of Israel and includes the fundamental moral law found in the Ten Commandments. The chapter stresses the significance of obeying God’s commands and encourages practical holiness. Many laws in Leviticus are specific to the cultural context of that time and aim to set the Israelites apart as a holy lineage distinct from pagan practices. Leviticus 19:11-18 particularly highlights the obligations arising from the Ten Commandments. Chapter 21 focuses on the holiness requirements for priests, while chapter 22 outlines the criteria for acceptable offerings.

Festivals and the Sabbath

Leviticus 23 – Appointed Times

Here is a list of the appointed times found in Leviticus 23 along with a summary of their purpose:

1. Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3): The weekly Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, reminding the Israelites of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their covenant with God.
2. Passover (Leviticus 23:4-5): Passover commemorates the miraculous liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and the sparing of their firstborn through the blood of the lamb. It was fulfilled when Jesus came as the Passover lamb that takes away our sin.
3. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8): This feast follows immediately after Passover, lasting for seven days. It symbolizes the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt and the removal of leaven, representing sin, from their households. Jesus is our bread of life.
4. Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14): This feast marks the beginning of the harvest season when the firstfruits of the barley crop are offered to God, acknowledging His provision and the promise of the full harvest to come. It’s one of the three Jewish feasts to thank God for all He’s provided, reminding me of our modern-day Fall Harvest and Thanksgiving celebrations.
5. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) (Leviticus 23:15-22): Celebrated fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits, this festival commemorates the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. It also became associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, celebrating the harvest of 3,000 people in the book of Acts.
6. Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25): This day is marked by the sounding of trumpets, symbolizing a call to repentance and preparation for the upcoming Day of Atonement. It’s a foreshadow of the rapture / Christs second coming.
7. Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32): On this solemn day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and receiving forgiveness. This was a foreshadowing of Jesus, the scapegoat that took our sins.
8. Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) (Leviticus 23:33-43): This joyful week-long feast commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their dwelling in temporary shelters. It also signifies the joy and provision of God’s presence among them. This feast also points to the promise that Jesus will return and dwell with His people.

We recently celebrated some of the outlined feasts with co-op friends. For more about that, you can read this article: Understanding the Biblical Feasts with a Christian Perspective: A Co-op Lesson Plan

Jubilee and Blessings for Obedience

In Leviticus 24, more instructions are given regarding the requirements for the lamps and the tabernacle. This chapter also discusses the serious offense of blaspheming the name of the Lord, which is punishable by death. Leviticus 25 introduces the concept of Sabbath and the Sabbath year. The Israelites were instructed to work their land for six years and then let it rest on the seventh year. The idea of Sabbath is deeply ingrained throughout the Old Testament. Leviticus 25 also introduces the year of Jubilee, which occurred every 49 years. On the day of atonement of the 50th year, the people would return to their fields to collect whatever the land produced during its Sabbath. Slaves were set free, debts were released, and property was returned. The blowing of the rams’ horn signaled the beginning of the Jubilee, a time of celebration and rest in various aspects of life. Leviticus 26 emphasizes the blessings for obedience to God’s commands. God reiterates the prohibition against making idols, erecting images or pillars, and bowing down to figured stones. He emphasizes the importance of keeping His Sabbaths, reverencing His sanctuary, walking in His statutes, and observing His commands. In return for obedience, He promises blessings to the people. However, if they disobey, He warns of curses and consequences. Leviticus 27 addresses vows and dedications made to the Lord. It provides instructions on how to redeem or consecrate various things, such as people, animals, and possessions. The chapter emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s vows and dedications to God.

Key Concepts & Takeaways:

• Sin: The complexity of the sacrificial system needed to purify and atone for the cyclical repetition of sin.
• God’s Holiness in contrast to mere humans: The book reminds the Israelites that they need to be holy because God is holy, which is applicable to modern-day believers.
• Worship: Strange Fire and authentic worship in the prescribed manner: Leviticus emphasizes the need for reverence, obedience, and following the specific instructions given by God in matters of worship.
• Sabbaths and Feasts: Leviticus establishes various Sabbaths and feasts as part of the religious calendar for the Israelites. These celebrations were opportunities for the Israelites to remember God’s deliverance, express gratitude, and renew their commitment to follow Him. There is still relevance in observation of Sabbath and Feasts for historicity, education, and a deeper understanding of the foreshadowing of things still to come.

For further exploration of Leviticus, I recommend watching the Book of Leviticus Summary by the Bible Project.

Numbers:

The book begins with a census of the Israelites and provides a detailed account of their organization according to their tribes. It also includes laws and regulations concerning offerings, purity, and festivals, as well as the responsibilities of the Levites and priests.

In numbers 1, the first census records 603,550 of just the male warriors over the age of 21. Those of the priesthood were not counted in the census. In numbers 3, the Lord instructs Moses to “take the Levites instead of all the firstborn of Israel and their cattle’s and name a redemption price for 273 male Levites at 5 Sheckels per head = 1365 shekels given to the sanctuary.

Numbers 11 records the Israelites’ journey of complaining, eating manna, the Lord’s fire that burned among them, Moses’ cry out to the Lord, the Lord’s appointment of elders to help Moses, and Miriam and Aaron’s opposition to Moses. In numbers 13, the Lord directs Moses to send spies to Canaan. At the end of 40 days, the spies send back a report of the land flowing with milk and honey. Caleb is ready to go, but the other spies warn of the inhabitants, giant men. The people of Israel cry out in fear, believing they should have stayed in Egypt rather than face death by the sword.

Throughout the narrative, the Israelites face several challenges, including rebellion, murmuring, and doubts about God’s provisions. Their lack of faith leads to consequences, such as extended periods of wandering in the wilderness. Moses intercedes for the rebellious people. The Lord forgives them, but none of the people who had seen His miraculous powers yet still put Him to the test 10 times and not obeyed His voice would see the promised land, except Caleb and Joshua, who had a different spirit and were fully willing to follow God into the promised land.

Then in Numbers 16, Moses faced a rebellion led by Korah. A number of Israelites, including 250 chiefs of the congregation, rose up against Moses. They accused him and the chiefs of exalting themselves, claiming that the entire congregation was holy. In response, Moses challenged them to bring their censers and put them over the fire. The following day, the ground swallowed up Korah and the 250 rebels. Additionally, the Lord sent a plague among the people, resulting in 14,700 deaths on that day. Later, during their journey, Aaron passed away, and the people mourned for 30 days.

In Chapter 21, Arad is destroyed, the Israelites complain some more against Moses, and the Lord sends fiery serpents to bite the people, causing many to die. The people cried out in repentance, and Moses made it stop by building a bronze serpent and putting it on a pole. Everyone who looked at it lived. They had to fight their way through the territory of King Sihon and King Og.

The book of Numbers also contains stories about the prophet Balaam, who was asked by the Moabite king Balak to curse the Israelites. However, Balaam’s attempts to curse them were thwarted by God, and his blessings were instead bestowed upon the Israelites. Then, a new census is performed on the new generation, totaling 601,730. In Chapter 27, a succession plan is put into place for Joshua to succeed Moses. Chapter 28 records the observance of feasts and offerings.

Overall, the book of Numbers serves as a record of the Israelites’ journey, their encounters with God, and the challenges they faced during their time in the wilderness. It emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s guidance.

Key Concepts & Takeaways:

• Laws: concerning offerings, purity, and festivals, as well as the responsibilities of the Levites and priests repeated.
• Sin: The Israelites continue to sin cyclically, despite facing severe punishment.
• Moses Leadership: Despite the Israelites’ disobedience and complaints, and Moses’ justified anger towards them, he remains faithful and intercedes for the people before God.
• Trust: Twelve spies were sent to explore the Promised Land, but only Joshua and Caleb return with a positive report, highlighting the importance of trust in God’s promises.
• Foreshadowing: When the Israelites were plagued by fiery serpents due to their disobedience, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent on a pole. Looking at it brought healing, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

For further exploration of Numbers, I recommend watching the Book of Numbers Summary by the Bible Project.

Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy, derived from the Greek word meaning “second law,” primarily consists of a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Moses is instructed to lead the Israelites out of Horeb and he appoints leaders for each tribe while reiterating the laws given to them by God. Throughout his speeches, Moses reminds the people of their covenant with God and emphasizes the importance of obedience to His commandments. He warns of the consequences that disobedience will bring. However, when Israel refuses to enter, they are punished for their rebellion, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb. Consequently, the Israelites spend forty years wandering in the wilderness.

Despite Moses’ desire to enter the Promised Land, he is forbidden to do so due to his disobedience in striking a rock for water instead of speaking to it as commanded by God. Moses retells crucial events from the Israelites’ journey, such as their escape from Egypt, the reception of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, and their time in the wilderness. He recounts the rebellions and failures of the Israelites, yet also highlights God’s faithfulness and provision.

Throughout the book, Moses encourages the Israelites to remain faithful to God, wholeheartedly love Him, and pass down His commandments to future generations. Deuteronomy provides detailed regulations encompassing various aspects of life, including worship practices, cleanliness, dietary laws, tithes, Sabbaths, feasts, as well as governing laws for priests, kings, and the people. Moses reminds the Israelites to uphold the entirety of the commandments as they enter the Promised Land, explaining the blessings that accompany obedience and the curses that result from disobedience.

In the land of Moab, the covenant is renewed, not only with the Israelites but also with aliens, foreigners, captives, servants, and future generations. Deuteronomy concludes with Moses appointing Joshua. Moses then goes up to Mount Nebo and passes away.

The book of Deuteronomy s teachings continues to be relevant today, underscoring the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and love for God

Key Concepts & Takeaways:

• Appointed times: Sabbaths and Feasts are observed throughout these books.
• Sin: continues to be cyclical and repetitive.
• Blessings for obedience and curse for disobedience: God forgives us, but there are consequences for sin, which can sometimes be severe.
• Law: continued adherence to the law to set apart God’s people.
• Covenant: The renewed covenant in Deuteronomy is not only for Israelites but for all believers willing to keep covenant terms.

For further exploration of Deuteronomy, I recommend watching the Book of Deuteronomy Summary by the Bible Project.

Wrapping it up – Until Next Time

This article covered the first five books of the Old Testament. There are 34 books of the Old Testament left to cover. The next set of articles will provide more condensed summaries, compared to this article. The next three articles will conclude the Old Testament. I hope you’ll join me for Part 3 – Historical Books, Part 4 – Poetry and Wisdom: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, and Part 5: Major and Minor Prophets.