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Introduction To The Books Of Law

In previous chapters you learned that the Bible is the written Word of God. You learned it is divided into two major sections called the Old Testament and the New Testament. You learned the four divisions of the Old Testament books: Law, History, Poetry, Prophecy. You also learned the four divisions of the New Testament books: Gospels, History, Letters, and Prophecy.

With this lesson you begin a basic survey of the books which make up the major divisions you have learned about. There are 39 books in the Old Testament. We will start our survey with the books of law:

THE BOOKS OF LAW

The books of law were written by Moses and they span a period of 600 years. The books of law consist of five books:

Genesis : Records the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice, nations, and government. Also records the stories of key men of God: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus : Details how Israel became a nation with Moses as leader. Israel is delivered from bondage in Egypt and journeys 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 points also 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 as a result of disobedience to God. The title of the book is from two "numberings" or population census taken during the long journey.

Deuteronomy : Records the close of Moses' life and reviews the laws given in Exodus and Leviticus.