The Pentateuch: A Story of Beginnings (Approaches to Biblical Studies)

The Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traces the beginnings and development of those who would become known as Israelites. The story is told from different perspectives as it portrays God’s relationship with those whom He would call “My people.” The Pentateuch is not only descriptive, recounting what happened, but it gives all those who read it down through the centuries a glimpse at how the world could be.

This book addresses the need for a clear and accessible introduction to the Pentateuch. It presents and analyzes key themes that appear in the first five books of the Bible, including the creation and flood, the exodus and liberation, covenant and land, and law and faith. These themes are explored in their ancient context and from the standpoint of contemporary concerns such as liberation theology, gender issues and ecology.