Unit Discussion 4 Exodus continues the narrative of Israel’s early history in

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Unit Discussion 4
Exodus continues the narrative of Israel’s early history in Egypt and follows the story of the Israelites up to their formation into a nation at Sinai. The real hero of the story is not Moses, but Yahweh, who keeps his promises to Abraham. The exodus from Egypt is the primary redemptive event of the OT.
Exodus explains how the Israelites came to be enslaved in Egypt and were later delivered; reveals the character of God, who keeps his promises to the patriarchs and adopts Israel as his covenant people; and instructs the Israelites in how to maintain their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The book of Exodus divides into the narratives of Israel in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and their sojourn at Sinai. Throughout Exodus, God progressively reveals more of his person and character to Abraham’s offspring and establishes his presence in their midst.
Leviticus provides instructions for priestly activity and outlines the standards of holy living for the community. Though the book does not specify its author, the traditional view ascribes the work to Moses, based on the book’s own claim. Scholars date the book according to their dating of the exodus. An early exodus places the book in the early stages of the Late Bronze Age, while a late date places the book between the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Those who adhere to the Documentary Hypothesis ascribe the entirety of Leviticus to the priestly source. The authors of this text argue for Moses as the author, writing during the Sinai sojourn.
The purpose of the sacrificial system was to allow the people to worship God and to maintain his presence in their midst. There were five types of sacrifice in Israel’s sacrificial system: (1) cereal or grain offering, (2) fellowship or peace offering, (3) whole burnt offering, (4) sin offering, and (5) guilt or trespass offering. Each had a particular role in the system, thought it must be noted that the OT never teaches that sacrifice was intended to save people from sin or gain them entry into heaven. Righteousness came only by faith, even in the OT.
The book of Numbers continues the narration of Israel’s journey from Egypt to Canaan, focusing on Israel’s rebellion and testing in the wilderness. The book is traditionally credited to Moses, though Moses is only once mentioned as the author. The text implies that priests were also instrumental in writing down God’s instructions regarding priestly duties. Though some view the book as a compilation of at least four literary sources, others argue for the antiquity and unity of the work. The authors of this text assume that most of the literary material originated with Moses, though the book did not reach its final form till sometime after Moses’ death.
Deuteronomy is presented as Moses’ final address to the Israelites before his death, reminding them of the experiences of the previous generation and providing them with the opportunity to renew the covenant. Both the Documentary Hypothesis and the Deuteronomistic History hypothesis date Deuteronomy late in the seventh century bc. The authors of this text argue for Mosaic authorship according to claims of the book itself. Scholars have debated whether the work more closely resembles the Neo-Assyrian or Neo-Hittite treaty form; the authors of this text argue that it is closer to the latter.
In context of the ANE, the gods gave their worshipers no guidelines for proper worship; people were left to guess whether they were in proper relationship with the gods, based on their fortunes. The Israelites, however, received clear instructions from God for how he desired to be worshiped and how he expected the people to act in relation to each other. The Israelites thus viewed the law with gratitude and delight.
Key Terms
atonement: to “pay” for sin by means of sacrifice and offering, as a symbol of repentance and confession before God
tent of meeting: tent where Yahweh met with Moses and delivered parts of the book of Leviticus
holiness: a term that conveys the idea of separation from the ordinary for service and/or worship to Yahweh
Sabbath: a day of rest that indicated Israel’s special relationship with God and testified that Israel’s holiness was rooted in Yahweh, not ritual
Decalogue: the Ten Commandments
Documentary Hypothesis: an approach to the authorship of the Pentateuch associated with source criticism that understands the five books as a patchwork composition of four (or more) literary documents
Passover: a feast of unleavened bread that signifies the haste with which Israel left Egypt; the Passover event occurred when Yahweh’s messenger brought death to the firstborn of all those who did not have blood from a sacrificial lamb smeared on their doorposts
Key Ideas
Yahweh is supreme over pagan deities.
The exodus is the central redemptive event for ancient Israel.
The Mosaic Law is a religious and social charter for Israel.
The presence of God is symbolized in the tabernacle.
The holiness of God.
The purity of the covenant community.
The principle of substitution in the sacrificial ritual.
The principle of mediation in the service of the priests.
God’s faithfulness to his covenant promises.
The centrality of loving and obeying the covenant God.
Discussion Forum Question:
Please respond to the following questions in 150 – 250 words:
What is the distinction between law and grace? Give reasons for or against this distinction.
How might a person follow a principle of a law without necessarily following its practice? How does this distinction between principle and practice fit into the discussion of law and grace?
How does this relate to you?

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