The PentateuchThe Pentateuch = 5 part writing = 5 part writingThe Torah, The Law and the Book of Moses

GenesisGenesis, , ExodusExodus, , LeviticusLeviticus, , NumbersNumbers, , DeuteronomyDeuteronomy

The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, containing the The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, containing the

beginning of the Hebrews beginning of the Hebrews Salvation HistorySalvation History..

Compiled:Compiled: 1225 BCE by 4 main authors. 1225 BCE by 4 main authors.

LessonsLessons - - God loves the human race and wants to God loves the human race and wants to

be in relationship with us.be in relationship with us.

- - God is “God is “AdonaiAdonai”. God is Creator, God ”. God is Creator, God

Provides and ForgivesProvides and Forgives

Contains the Creation narrativesCreation narratives, the stories of the

ExodusExodus and Noah and the ArkNoah and the Ark.

THE HISTORICAL BOOKSTHE HISTORICAL BOOKSJoshua – 2MaccabeesJoshua – 2Maccabees

Teach about what historical events mean viewed from Teach about what historical events mean viewed from a faith perspective. a faith perspective.

Teach our sacred history, revealing God’s message to Teach our sacred history, revealing God’s message to us and the purpose for our lives. us and the purpose for our lives.

CompiledCompiled – – 1250-161 BCE by 2 groups of authors.1250-161 BCE by 2 groups of authors. Lessons Lessons – God is involved with and cares about – God is involved with and cares about human experience.human experience. - People are happiest when they follow God’s laws.- People are happiest when they follow God’s laws. - All humans search for the meaning of life.- All humans search for the meaning of life.

Contains the stories of David and GoliathDavid and Goliath and Hanukkah.Hanukkah.

THE WISDOM AND POETRY BOOKSTHE WISDOM AND POETRY BOOKSJob – EcclesiastiucusJob – Ecclesiastiucus

Focus on the Hebrews unique perception of wisdom. Focus on the Hebrews unique perception of wisdom. Contain much poetic language, all written for the Contain much poetic language, all written for the

enjoyment of the reader. enjoyment of the reader.

CompiledCompiled – – 700-181 BCE by many authors.700-181 BCE by many authors.

Lessons Lessons – The seach for life’s meaning is good.– The seach for life’s meaning is good.

- Goodness is rewarded and evil punished.- Goodness is rewarded and evil punished.

- Life lessons are found in everyday living.- Life lessons are found in everyday living.

Contains the PsalmsPsalms and ProverbsProverbs

THE PROPHETSTHE PROPHETSIsaiah – MalachiIsaiah – Malachi

ProphetsProphets were people who challenged the Israelites were people who challenged the Israelites to remain faithful the Covenant. to remain faithful the Covenant.

They were called by God to give guidance to the They were called by God to give guidance to the POG especially in times of crisis.POG especially in times of crisis.

CompiledCompiled – – 743-455 BCE by many authors.743-455 BCE by many authors.

Lessons Lessons – Act justly– Act justly

- Avoid idolatry- Avoid idolatry

- Explore God’s never ending love and mercy.- Explore God’s never ending love and mercy.

- Promises hope for the future.- Promises hope for the future.

Contains the story of Jonah and the WhaleJonah and the Whale.