INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF
LAW
The Bible
Summary
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage,
sin, sacrifice, nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is
delivered from bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God
is given.
Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides
instruction to the religious leaders and explains how a sinful people can
approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb
of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was
a result of disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings
(population censuses) taken during the long journey.
Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given
in Exodus and Leviticus.
, INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF LAW
Here is a summary of the Books of Law which compose the first five books of the Old Testament
in the Holy Bible:
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice,
nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from
bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.
Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the religious
leaders and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming
of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was a result of
disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings (population censuses) taken
during the long journey.
Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and
Leviticus.
These books recount Israel's history from the beginning through the death of Moses when they
are at the border of their promised land. The books also give laws for worship and living and are
referred to as the books of law.
As you begin your study of the Old Testament and specifically the books of law, here are some
questions that are often raised:
Why the long lists of names?
In the Old Testament you will frequently encounter long list of names providing genealogies.
These lists may not seem as interesting as other parts of the Bible, but each name and every list
was included by the Holy Spirit for a purpose. The Bible states that: "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works"
(2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here are some reasons why these lists are included.
-These lists, many of which are confirmed by secular history as well, verify the reliability of the
Bible.
-Genealogical heritage was important in determining who could serve in certain God-ordained
positions. For example, only those from the Levite tribe of Israel were permitted to perform
certain duties in the Tabernacle. Only the descendants of Aaron could serve as high priest.
LAW
The Bible
Summary
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage,
sin, sacrifice, nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is
delivered from bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God
is given.
Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides
instruction to the religious leaders and explains how a sinful people can
approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming of Jesus Christ as the Lamb
of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was
a result of disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings
(population censuses) taken during the long journey.
Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given
in Exodus and Leviticus.
, INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOKS OF LAW
Here is a summary of the Books of Law which compose the first five books of the Old Testament
in the Holy Bible:
Genesis: Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice,
nations, and government and key men of God like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
Exodus: Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from
bondage in Egypt and travels to Mt. Sinai where the law of God is given.
Leviticus: This book was a manual of worship for Israel. It provides instruction to the religious
leaders and explains how a sinful people can approach a righteous God. It relates to the coming
of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Numbers: Records Israel's 40 years of wandering in the wilderness which was a result of
disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two numberings (population censuses) taken
during the long journey.
Deuteronomy: Records the final days of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and
Leviticus.
These books recount Israel's history from the beginning through the death of Moses when they
are at the border of their promised land. The books also give laws for worship and living and are
referred to as the books of law.
As you begin your study of the Old Testament and specifically the books of law, here are some
questions that are often raised:
Why the long lists of names?
In the Old Testament you will frequently encounter long list of names providing genealogies.
These lists may not seem as interesting as other parts of the Bible, but each name and every list
was included by the Holy Spirit for a purpose. The Bible states that: "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works"
(2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here are some reasons why these lists are included.
-These lists, many of which are confirmed by secular history as well, verify the reliability of the
Bible.
-Genealogical heritage was important in determining who could serve in certain God-ordained
positions. For example, only those from the Levite tribe of Israel were permitted to perform
certain duties in the Tabernacle. Only the descendants of Aaron could serve as high priest.
