THE PENTATEUCH
The term “ Pentateuch ” refers to the first five books of the Bible — Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy . In the Hebrew Bible and Judaism , these books are referred to as the Torah . They are considered sacred and authoritative .
AUTHORSHIP
Jewish and Chris tian traditions ascribe the Pentateuch to Moses . However , modern scholarship is divided on the authorship and composition history of the Pentateuch . Some have asserted that the Pentateuch was compiled over a period of centuries as multiple authors or communities produced distinct versions of Israel ’ s early history and laws . Julius Wellhausen ( 1844 – 1918 ) articulated the most influential version of this theory , identifying four sources in the Pentateuch that he called J , E , D and P . This model for the origin of the Pentateuch is called the Documentary Hypothesis .
Proponents of the Documentary Hypothesis identify and categorize supposed unique sources within the Pentateuch based on changes in style , vocabulary and content . Over time , according to this view , various editors ( called redactors ) combined the source documents and added other material to create the Pentateuch as we know it .
However , there is no real consensus about the Documentary Hypothesis in modern scholarship ; even among those who hold to the viewpoint , there is great variation in how the theoretical sources are understood , divided , and how many sources there are .
Current opinions on the composition of the Pentateuch vary widely , from affirming traditional Mosaic authorship to complex theories involving multiple sources being woven together over centuries of textual transmission . Nonetheless , J , E , D and P are still often used as convenient labels for identifying different types of content in the Pentateuch , apart from questions of sources or authorship .
CONTENT AND THEMES OF EACH BOOK
The fundamental purpose of the Pentateuch is to define the origin , mission and institutions of Israel as God ’ s elect nation , chosen for his purposes in the world . Utilizing multiple settings , narratives and laws the Pentateuch articulates this viewpoint .
Genesis In Genesis 12:1 – 3 , Abraham is called by Yahweh to leave his homeland because God has chosen him and will give the land of Canaan to his offspring . This text defines Israel ’ s ultimate mission : All the nations of earth will find blessing through Abraham ’ s offspring .
Genesis 1 – 11 is a prologue to Abraham ’ s election ; it describes a world estranged from God and in need of reconciliation , illustrated by the expulsion from Eden , Cain ’ s murder of Abel , the flood and the Tower of Babel . Genesis 12 – 50 describes God ’ s special protection and provision for the patriarchs , caring for Abraham even when he was acting dishonorably ( Ge 12:10 – 20 ) and