Exploring the Word of God Two Books of Moses: Genesis and Exodus

By Tim Finlay and Jim Herst

This introductory commentary gives an overview of the first two books of the Bible, from Creation to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. We explore each book, and its significance for Christians today. Should we keep the laws God gave to Moses? What lessons can we learn from the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Communion International
• Release date: Jan 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301447398

Book preview

Exploring the Word of God

Two Books of Moses: Genesis and Exodus

By Tim Finlay and Jim Herst

Copyright 2013 Grace Communion International

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Cover art by Mike Wimmer;

most other artwork by Ken Tunell; copyright Grace Communion International

Table of Contents

Crossing Your Red Sea

Exploring Genesis

Genesis: From Creation to Abraham

The Serpent and You

The Skill of the Writers

The Faith of Abraham

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: Were They Real People?

Abram, the Real Story

Where Did the Hittites Come From, and Does It Matter?

Genesis: Isaac and Jacob

Joseph: The Hand of God

Exploring Exodus

Birth of a Nation: Exodus 1:1–12:36

From Egypt to Sinai: Exodus 12:37–19:25

Law and Covenant: Exodus 20–27

Priestly Worship: Exodus 28:1–31:11

Law and Covenant: Exodus 31:12–40:38

The Name of God

Should Christians Keep the Law of Moses?

Did Moses Steal the Ten Commandments?

About the Authors

About the Publisher

Grace Communion Seminary

Ambassador College of Christian Ministry

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The Hebrew word Torah means instruction, and this is the word that Jews use for the first five books of the Bible — what some call the Pentateuch, or the books of Moses, the law of Moses, or simply, The Law. Although these books do include the laws of Moses, they have much more than law. They include history and promises of salvation; they form part of the background we need to understand Jesus and the New Testament. The apostle Paul wrote, These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us (1 Corinthians 10:11).

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Crossing Your Red Sea

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground’ (Exodus 14:15-16).

Our illustration captures the epic qualities of one of the most spectacular events in Old Testament history — the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. The majestic figure of Moses dominates the scene. His rugged Midianite tunic, softened with decorative Egyptian cuffs, waistband and hem-tassels, is draped with a cloak of red, white and black — the same colors that would later identify the priestly Levites. His gleaming face, framed with the white linen kaffiyeh that hugs his head and shoulders, reflects his inspiration and determination. Moses’ staff and his outstretched arms seem to beckon the Israelites to safe passage.

From behind the rock, to Moses’ right, we catch a glimpse of Aaron staring intently at the parted waters. Beside the rock, to Moses’ left, stands the courageous figure of Joshua, who proudly carries the standard of the tribe of Ephraim. The insignia of Issachar can be seen at the lower right. This dramatic scene from the Exodus makes a fitting introduction to a study of the Pentateuch — the name commonly given to the five books of the law — because it vividly pictures God’s great plan of redemption for all humanity that these books begin to describe.

As you start your journey through the Bible, keep in mind that the great God who called Moses and the nation of Israel also wants to lead you. The same God who spoke to Moses speaks to you today. His message, alive and vibrant, is one told through the lives of men and women like Moses, Joshua and Miriam.

The apostle Paul realized this truth when he wrote to the church at Corinth: Our forefathers were all under the cloud and…they all passed through the sea…. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come (1 Corinthians 10:1, 11).

God speaks to all of us today. He speaks to you. So when you read of Moses, the tribes of Israel and Pharaoh’s armies at the Red Sea, remember that this is God speaking to you. Perhaps you are standing at a Red Sea of your own right now, being called out of the familiar and into the unknown journey ahead with God.

If you are, you need to answer some vital questions:

• From what Egypt do you need to be freed?

• Do you believe that God can provide you a way of escape?

• Are you willing to follow his directions?

When you apply the truths of Scripture to your own life, you begin to appreciate their meaning and value more deeply. And you begin to hear God’s words of encouragement to you: Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today (Exodus 14:13).

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Exploring Genesis

What’s in a name?

Genesis is a transliteration of a Greek word meaning origin, beginning or generation. This name was given to the book from the Greek (Septuagint) translation of Genesis 2:4: haute he biblos geneseos ouranou kai ges, which means This is the book of the generations of heaven and earth.

The Hebrew Bible names the book after its first word, bere’shith, meaning in the beginning. It was standard practice in the ancient Near East to call a literary work by its initial word or phrase. Both the Hebrew and Greek titles are appropriate for Genesis, the record of historical origins.

Without the book of Genesis, the rest of the Bible would make little sense. Genesis lays a foundation that allows us to begin to answer the big questions in life, such as: Why are we here? Where did we come from? Where are we going? God answers these questions more fully as the Bible story unfolds. Genesis describes the beginning of the world, of human beings and civilization, of families and nations, of sin and salvation.

Outline

Genesis can be divided into a prologue (1:1 - 2:3), and 10 sections introduced in the King James Version with the words these are the generations of (2:4 - 4:26; 5:1 - 6:8; 6:9 - 9:29; 10:1 - 11:9; 11:10-26; 11:27 - 25:11; 25:12-18; 25:19 - 35:29; 36:1 - 37:1; 37:2 - 50:26).

Genesis traces a line of descendants from Adam to Jacob, highlighting God’s selection of, and commitment to, the family of Abraham – the family through whom he would implement his plan of salvation (12:1-3).

The placing of the Genesis narrative in this genealogical framework shows that the accounts are intended to be understood as real-life histories of men and women.

How to read this book

Although Genesis gives us fascinating glimpses of the beginning of human history, it is not primarily a historical or scientific statement. Genesis makes the theological statement that God created men and women in his image and has an eternal purpose for them. Every scientific, historical or literary analysis that misses this point misunderstands the text of Genesis.

It cannot be emphasized too strongly that the primary value of Genesis, as indeed of all Scripture, is theological. It is possible to devote a great deal of time and energy to all kinds of incidental details and to miss the great theological