This week’s class presentation is on the hermeneutics of the Torah. Hermeneutics is a Greek word for interpretation, and applying proper methodology to reading in order to understand the context. Using this simple method will help us to not take things in the Bible out of context, which is often what happens in secular culture today. As Christians we should know what we believe, and why we believe it, and then be able to share the truth of God’s Word with others. This is not just for academics, but all Christians, as we are called in 1 Peter 3:15 to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Each week’s class includes prayer, an “apologetics” presentation, a review of last week’s Bible study, and a homework assignment. To make comments or ask questions put them in the comment section below.

Watch the class presentation on this topic:

A Case for the Old Testament

Joseph to Moses

Session 2: Hermeneutics for the Torah

Prayer and Reflection

Write out your prayer cards and exchange them at the end of the class.
Read, or recite, the memory verse out loud with your group.

Memory Verse

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)

Bible Knowledge Practice:

Memorizing helpful facts

What are the five categories of the Old Testament books in the Christian Bible and what are the 39 books of the Old Testament in each of those five categories? (Hint 5-12-5-512)
What are the “Major Historical Events” – the “Major Players” involved in those events – and the “Major Covenants” found in Genesis and Exodus?

PRESENTATION

Review of Last Week’s Bible Study

The Hermeneutics of the Torah

The Books of Moses Also known as…

Torah in the Hebrew
Pentateuch in the Greek
Often referred to as “The Law” in other parts of the Bible

Who was the author and what do we know about him?

Author: Moses

Moses was uniquely qualified to write

He had the education and background growing up as a son of Pharaoh in Egypt
He would have accurate information, as we see in the writings, about the Pharaohs and life in Egypt
He described things from an Egyptian perspective (not Palestinian)
His writings show first-hand knowledge of the area such as geography, seasons and climate
As the leader of Israel he would have been the one to record everything, and he had the time to do it (40 years)

God’s inspiration, He directed Moses’ writing

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua”” Exodus 17:14a (NASB)
Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. Exodus 24:3-4 (NASB)
Also refer to Moses’ authorship in Numbers 33:1-2, Deuteronomy 31:9, Joshua 1:8, and 2 Kings 21:8

Most important:

Jesus spoke about Moses’ authorship

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

John 5:31 (39)-47 (NASB)

Debunking the “documentary hypothesis”

This is the school of thought, taught in many of our universities today, that there were multiple authors and sources for the Old Testament, and specifically the Torah.

Problems with the documentary hypothesis:

It removes God’s inspiration
It denies individuality and Moses’ credentials
It removes God’s character and sovereign ability
It reinterprets Genesis 1-11, especially the creation account, to fit evolution
It ignores the role of the Scribe over time in the preservation of the text
It ignores evidence from Archeology
It ignores evidence from outside historical literature that corroborates the authorship and accounts therein

Who was the Audience and what do we know about them?

The books of Moses were written to the Hebrew Nation during the desert wandering, ca. 1446-

1406 BC—Events took place between the Biblical dating of ca. 4000 BC to ca. 1406 BC

Timeline

Antediluvian Period to the Exodus:

ca. 4000 BC (Creation – Fall – Flood – Noachian Covenant)

ca. 2500 BC Tower of Babel

ca. 2166 BC Abraham born

ca. 2091 BC Abrahamic Covenant

ca. 2066 BC Isaac born

ca. 2000 BC Jacob born

ca. 1915 BC Joseph born

ca. 1526 BC Moses born

ca. 1446 – 1406 BC Exodus and the writing of the Torah – Mosaic Covenant

Note: Human history began to be recorded ca. 2500 BC

Dating of events is extremely important

Biblical historicity and reliability are at stake
The secular version of events contradicts or eliminates the Biblical version
The events and dating of Creation, the Flood, the Exodus, and the Conquest are specifically under attack by secular scholars

There is much evidence to support the historical Biblical view and dating of events, and we will cover that over this course!

What is the main genre (literary style) of these books?

The books of Moses are historical narratives that covers a time period from Creation to the end of the Exodus, just before entry into the Promised Land with Joshua
Most of the Old Testament books are historical narratives, however there are some that also contain: Wisdom literature, Poetry, Prophecy (including end time/apocalyptic), and Law

What is the purpose for the writing of this book?

These books were written so the Hebrew people would remember their history, recognize the greatness of their God, and understand who they were as God’s chosen representative to the [other] Nations—His “role models” (although they would fail at this all the time).
Israel was chosen to be the carrier of the “Covenant Promise” as it unfolded, and they would come to understand that through the “Law” they would see how sin would manifest itself in hardship, suffering, and death if not atoned for.
In these books God’s Kingdom, along with His character and relationship with His creation, is revealed.
As in all the books of the Bible, it is to point to the need for a savior who could redeem a fallen world, and this savior will culminate in the person of Jesus!

Discuss: Why do you think it is important to understand the Biblical narratives in the historical context in which they are written?

So, we can understand the culture of the day and what was going on at that time in history (not reading from a 21^st century lens)
So, we know the proper storyline and how it fits into the big picture
So, we don’t share or teach others inaccurately
So, we stay true to the text which is God’s Word

How can we differentiate between the historical narratives and the timeless truths applicable for today?

We must understand the author’s intention for the original audiences first (the historical narrative), because it was not written to us, but it is for us.
As Christians we must understand the purpose of God’s Covenant Promise so we can better understand Jesus and the New Testament, and thereby make proper life application.
Knowing the difference between an historical narrative and a timeless truth will help us to find New Testament teachings we can apply that mirror many Old Testament narrative principles (instead of using a verse or passage that was written specifically to Israel).
Timeless truths are teachings, principles, or commands taught throughout the Scriptures, in both the Old and New Testaments, based on the “big picture” teachings of the Bible and not on societal norms then or now.
The goal of making Biblical application, is to give you some specific things to do as a result of what you have learned, and personal application varies depending on where you are in life (God’s Word is living).

We need to distinguish between descriptive narratives vs. prescriptive narratives…

DESCRIPTIVE NARRATIVES VERSUS PRESCRIPTIVE NARRATIVES

Recognizing when something is descriptive versus prescriptive will help us with proper interpretation of the Bible.
Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible, its themes and overarching narrative, will give us a framework (focus points) with which to work from.
Proper interpretation of what is in the narrative will then help us to then make proper application to our lives today.

Descriptive

The Bible, the Old Testament in particular, is mainly an historical narrative that records and describes events, people and places in a specific time and culture that helps us understand who God is, how humans messed up, what God promised to fix the mess and how He worked out that promise through Covenants and His (imperfect) people; and this includes many narratives that foreshadow who Jesus would be, and what He would ultimately do (and the New Testament describes this fulfillment along with the beginning of the Church).

Prescriptive

Commands found in the Bible that are prescriptive (things one must do) are given by God in the Old Testament for the people of Israel (not for us today unless repeated in the New Testament); and are given by Jesus (who is God) in the New Testament for all Christians – these prescriptive commands are to help us receive His offer of salvation, learn to walk after Him, desire to seek God with all heart, have passion to share the good news with others, and to prepare us for the Kingdom to come.

The Shelf

What questions do you still have?

This is where you can put questions that came up during your study

These questions might be something unanswered for now
These might be questions you can ask of others
These might be questions that take some research – come back with information to share with your group!

Putting these kinds of questions on the shelf help you focus on the study at hand, yet allow you to return at a later time for answers…

Going Deeper

Patterns of Evidence: www.patternsofevidence.com

Class Video Series

The Exodus
The Moses Controversy
The Red Sea Miracle Part 1
The Red Sea Miracle Part 2
Journey to Mt. Sinai Part 1
Journey to Mt. Sinai Part 2 (New Release)

Become a part of their THINKER Community – It’s free:

https://patternsofevidence.com/sign-up/

Bible Study

Each week, starting next week, we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be part of the next presentation and posted mid-week for your review. This can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1. Review of Class Topic: Before getting into the Bible study questions, discuss today’s class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Genesis Chapter 39 through Chapter 42, then answer the following questions:

2. (Genesis 39:1-20) This chapter begins the story of the life of Joseph who is one of the greatest examples of a person in the Old Testament that foreshadows Jesus. How did Joseph end up in Potiphar’s house, and how did God prosper all he did? What happened between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, and how did Potiphar respond?

Discuss: How hard would this situation have been for Joseph, and how might most people respond?

3. (Genesis 39:21-40:23) Joseph ends up unfairly imprisoned, after the situation with Potiphar and his wife, for the next two years. How did God prosper Joseph in prison? Who were the two individuals that Joseph helped by interpreting their dreams, and what was the outcome for them?

Discuss: Joseph has now been through three traumatic experiences that seem more than unfair, and that might cause most people to question God. How do you think you would handle such unfair circumstances, and what can we learn from Joseph’s attitude through all that has happened to him?

4. (Genesis 41:1-57) In this chapter, the cupbearer, after two years, finally remembers what Joseph did for him, and recommends him to the Pharaoh. What was the meaning of the Pharaoh’s dreams, and how did Joseph interpret them? What did the Pharaoh do for Joseph, and what happened over the next few years? Who became Joseph’s wife, and what were the names of his two sons?

Going Deeper: At this time the ruling people of Egypt, and the common people, were of different ethnicities and backgrounds. What do you know about that, and how might this have affected the Pharaoh’s relationship to Joseph?

5. (Genesis 42:1-38) In this chapter, Pharaoh’s dreams have come true and all the land was in a severe famine, including Canaan. What happened when Jacob sent the brothers down to Egypt (summarize the story)? Why did Jacob not allow Benjamin to go with them, and how do you think this decision would have affected the other brothers?

Going Deeper: Why do you think Joseph keep Simeon in jail and not one of the other brothers?

Join us next week as we continue our “Case for the Old Testament, Joseph to Moses!”

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15