Analysis Of The Pentateuch

The first five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy contain the beginnings of the story of God and humanity. At a first glance each book seems not fully connect with all the others; yet with a closer look, the Pentateuch is one complete story to be read in unison. In fact, Gary Schnittjer would say that Genesis 1-12 stets the pattern for the rest of the Pentateuch’s story and form. Furthermore, the continuity between the five books raises the question of authorship. Was the Pentateuch the work of a sole-author—Moses, or is the Pentateuch a compilation of several writings put together in order to tell one story? Therefore, current scholarship on the authorship of the Pentateuch helps to answer that

Also, Biblical narrative includes groupings or numbers to represent symbolic meanings (Schnittjer 212). Furthermore, biblical narrators of the Pentateuch use repetition as a way of driving home a theme (Schnittjer 239). By understanding each literary device at the disposal of the writers, a reader can grasp the full theological meaning of the Scriptures. Also, Schnittjer points out, “The storyteller controls what readers hear and what they do not hear and how they hear what they hear” (Schnittjer 285). His point doubles down on the intentionality in which the Pentateuch was compiled. The greatest effort a reader can make is to understand the purpose of the

This is what I was taught in Sunday school and even Jesus and Paul referred to Moses as the giver of the Law. However, after this week’s study, I have come to understand the greater evidence in multi-authorship and compilation of the Pentateuch. However, the biggest question that remains, when was the Torah compiled? Alexander does an excellent job explaining what is known and not known. I have to agree that the exile to Babylon makes since when you look at Genesis through Kings being one compilation. However, despite not knowing the exact date, the most helpful resource Alexander offers to the discussion is the purpose the Pentateuch. He traces the Garden of Eden through the Pentateuch to point out the great activity of God from the beginning. God is bringing humanity back to a garden city. Specifically, Alexander