The Pentateuch: Genesis to Deuteronomy

THE OPEN YOUR BIBLE COMMENTARY

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The Open Your Bible Commentary has four great strengths:

Accessible—it’s written for the average, thoughtful Christian without assuming a great deal of background, yet it is never superficial.

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The Open Your Bible Commentary reveals the context of each chapter of the Bible, draws out the truth, and applies it to your daily life, enabling you to understand and appreciate what God is saying. It will help you to

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The complete Open Your Bible Commentary is in two books, each containing nearly 1,000 daily readings.

Old Testament

Print edition, ISBN 978-1-909680-02-9

Ebook edition, ISBN 978-1-909680-22-7

New Testament

Print edition, ISBN 978-1-909680-03-6

Ebook edition, ISBN 978-1-909680-23-4

Or you can get smaller sections as ebooks

The Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy)

David F. Payne and Derek Kidner

ISBN 978-1-909680-24-1

The Historical Books (Joshua to Esther)

H.L. Ellison, I. Howard Marshall, and J. Stafford Wright

ISBN 978-1-909680-25-8

The Wisdom Books (Job to Song of Solomon)

J. Stafford Wright, H.L. Ellison, and Arthur E. Cundall

ISBN 978-1-909680-26-5

The Major Prophets (Isaiah to Daniel )

Arthur E. Cundall and J. Stafford Wright

ISBN 978-1-909680-27-2

The Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi)

John B. Taylor

ISBN 978-1-909680-28-9

Matthew, F.F. Bruce

ISBN 978-1-909680-29-6

Mark, I. Howard Marshall

ISBN 978-1-909680-30-2

Luke, E. M. Blaiklock

ISBN 978-1-909680-31-9

John, Robin E. Nixon

ISBN 978-1-909680-32-6

Acts, Ralph P. Martin

ISBN 978-1-909680-33-3

Romans, E. M. Blaiklock

ISBN 978-1-909680-34-0

1 & 2 Corinthians, Ralph P. Martin

ISBN 978-1-909680-35-7

The Shorter Letters of Paul (Galatians to Philemon), Ralph P. Martin, William L. Lane, and Leon Morris

ISBN 978-1-909680-36-4

Hebrews to Revelation, Leon Morris and H. L. Ellison

ISBN 978-1-909680-37-1

INTRODUCTION

As a Bible teacher and college principal, I am regularly asked for advice about which is the best resource for reading and understanding the Bible. Many of us may be familiar with the Gospels, and perhaps Paul’s epistles. But we may become a little more vague when trying to work out what Leviticus or Zephaniah has to do with either Jesus or being a twenty-first-century Christian. Well, here you will find help and guidance from trusted scholars on how to hear and correctly handle the very words of God. The Open Your Bible Commentary has four great strengths:

Accessible. These studies address the average, thoughtful Christian without assuming a great deal of background information, yet they are never superficial. After all, the Lord Jesus commanded his apostles to feed his lambs and sheep and not his giraffes! In other words, this book is an excellent teaching tool.

Digestible. No study section is overly long. The assumption is that we can read through a section or two a day without getting indigestion. However, the little and often approach means we can systematically work our way through a whole book over a number of days or weeks. One writer who worked on a commentary on Isaiah for some thirty years said he felt like a very small mouse trying to digest a very large and extremely succulent cheese. Well, here you can enjoy every mouthful of every Bible book!

Dependable. A team of internationally renowned theologians, Bible scholars and experienced pastor-teachers has written these studies. You are in safe hands as you read their contributions.

Practical. Sometimes, preachers are in danger of being too general in applying Scripture. The result is that the hearers can feel perpetually guilty to pray more, read more, give more and witness more than they do. One of the benefits of these studies is the diversity and subtlety of the applications suggested. Sometimes, things are clearly spelt out; other times, one is left to ponder for oneself. What shall I do, Lord? (Acts 22:10) is always a fitting response when I meet the Risen Lord.

As a very young Christian, I was first introduced to this amazing series through a recommendation from a pastor who simply said that the money he had paid for the study guide on Psalms was the best he had ever spent! How right he was! Come and enjoy!

Dr Steve Brady

Moorlands College

Christchurch, UK

AUTHORS

David F Payne, senior lecturer in Semitic Studies at Queen’s University, Belfast, and academic dean of London Bible College.

Derek Kidner, senior tutor at Oak Hill Theological College and warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge University.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Authors

Reviser’s Introduction

Abbreviations

THE PENTATEUCH

World of the Old Testament

Genesis

Abraham's Journeys

Commentary

Exodus

Moses and the Exodus

Commentary

Leviticus

Commentary

Numbers

Commentary

Deuteronomy

Commentary

Palestine in the Early Old Testament

Thank You, Scripture Union

Copyright

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REVISER’S INTRODUCTION

These studies are a sensitively edited version of Bible Study books originally published by Scripture Union. The intention of that series was to encourage the daily study of the Bible at greater depth than was possible with Bible Study notes. This allowed fuller discussion of introductory, textual and background material, whilst still aiming at devotional warmth, sound exegesis and relevance to daily life.

The authors of the original studies were given a liberty of approach within the general scope of the series. This provides for a certain variation which it is hoped will prove stimulating rather than disconcerting. All authors are united within the circle of conservative evangelical scholarship.

This text may be used with the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), or indeed with any version of the Bible.

The principal aim of these studies is to stimulate daily Bible study as an aid to personal devotion and application to life in the firm belief that All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV).

Martin H. Manser

In this ebook, which is a section from The Open Your Bible Commentary, we have added book introductions, maps, and other material from The Bible Book by Book.

ABBREVIATIONS

Bible versions referred to in this book

ESV – English Standard Version

GNT – Good News Translation

JBP – J.B. Phillips New Testament in Modern English

KJV – King James Version (Authorized) 1611

NASB – New American Standard Bible

NCV – New Century Version

NEB – New English Bible

NIRV – New International Reader’s Version

NIV – New International Version

NJB – New Jerusalem Bible

NKJV – New King James Version

NLT – New Living Translation

NRSV – New Revised Standard Version

RSV – Revised Standard Version

RV – Revised Version (1885)

TM – The Message

Standard Abbreviations

c. – (circa) about

eg – for example

f. – verse following

ff. – verses following

Gk. – Greek

Heb. – Hebrew

ie – that is

LXX – Septuagint (Greek Version of the O.T.)

p. – page

pp. – pages

INTRODUCTION

THE PENTATEUCH

The Hebrew Bible was divided into three main sections:

First in importance, and fundamental to the whole, was the Law, or Torah, which is synonymous with our word Pentateuch which was first used by the Alexandrian scholar, Origen, about AD 200. Pentateuch derives from two Greek words, and signifies a five-volumed book. This title witnesses to the distinct nature of each of the five components and also to their unity (cf. the Jewish reference to it as the five-fifths of the Law.)

The Prophets, the second section, was divided into two. In the Former Prophets were included what we would regard as the historical books, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. There were four books also in the Latter Prophets, ie Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets.

All other Old Testament books were included in the Writings, or Hagiographa (Holy Books), regarded as the least important section.

The New Testament gives clear witness to this threefold division, eg Luke 24:27, Moses (a common synonym for the Pentateuch) and the prophets; Luke 24:44, the law of Moses and the Prophets and Psalms (regarded widely as the most important book in the Writings and as a synonym for the whole).

The title Law for the Pentateuch could be misleading, for although there is a great deal of legal material, both civic and religious, the basic framework is one of historical narrative. In fact, Law (Torah) derives from a Hebrew verb meaning to throw or shoot; as a noun it signifies law, instruction or direction, and possibly the second of these, ie instruction, is the most helpful description of the contents of the Pentateuch. It is primarily a book of instruction, covering, by direct precept, illustration or warning, most aspects of life.

We have already observed the importance of the Pentateuch for the whole Bible. Here the foundation of the great biblical themes is laid, including the nature of God and his requirements; the effect of sin on the individual, the family and the community; the place of sacrifice; the concept of covenant—itself linked closely with the view of God’s redemptive, saving activity—and many others. When we come to the historical books and the prophetic writings we see immediately the standpoint of the writers, based firmly on the revelation contained in the Pentateuch. Similarly, such expressions as, Oh, how I love your law! (Psalm 119:97) show the derivation of the piety of the psalmists. Christians are apt to forget that the Bible of the early church was the Old Testament. Christ saw his work as the fulfillment of the Law, an attitude followed by his disciples. The New Testament writers assumed the great truths of the Old Testament, making no attempt to re-lay this foundational revelation. Clearly then, the careful, reverent study of the Old Testament is essential for Christians.

A basic Mosaic origin for the Pentateuch is assumed in these studies, although a full discussion of this question is evidently impossible. Suffice it to say that there is a growing recognition on the part of scholars that Moses occupied a vital place in an important, transitional phase in Israel’s history. Mosaic authorship of certain sections is specifically stated in Exodus 17:14; 24:4,7; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 29:1; 31:9,24. There is also a consistent witness to this fact throughout the Bible (eg Joshua 8:31; 2 Kings 14:6; Nehemiah 13:1; Daniel 9:11; Mark 12:26; Luke 2:22; John 5:46).

It is likely that Moses used existent documents, particularly in Genesis. It is virtually certain that he drew upon a wide range of laws and customs current in the ancient Near East, reshaping them where necessary. Possibly he utilized the talents of other prominent leaders such as Aaron, Joshua and Phinehas. Other sections, specifically noted, were given by direct revelation from God. Thus Moses was at times a compiler, an editor, a mediator and a sifter of religious traditions, giving, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a distinctive character to the whole. This does not rule out the probability of later additions designed to make certain references up to date or comprehensive enough to cover all contingencies, but the basic contribution was surely that of Moses.

THE WORLD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

This map has been placed on two pages for better viewing. Be sure to zoom the map to fill the screen.

Genesis

GREAT BEGINNINGS

OVERVIEW

Genesis reveals how everything began, and what went wrong with it. The problems started when humanity made wrong choices, ruining a perfect world, but a loving God had a plan to bring people back to himself and restore his creation.

SUMMARY

Genesis (origins or beginnings) is a story of beginnings. Most major Bible themes are first found here.

The beginnings of everything

Genesis begins with creation and early human history (1:1–11:32). It doesn’t explain how things were made, simply who made them and why. Creation (1:1–2:3) climaxes with the first humans, Adam and Eve, created to know God (1:26-27) and rule everything (1:28-30). Their freedom was limited by just one command: not to eat from a particular tree (2:2-17). Yet this was the very thing they did, leading to expulsion from the Garden of Eden (3:1-24). Human society continued to develop but, without God’s presence, deteriorated rapidly (4:1–11:32). Even God’s judgement through a flood (6:1–9:29) didn’t restrain human arrogance and sin (11:1-4). But God had a plan.

The beginnings of a family

Through Abram, God would build a new family who would love and obey him. Although Abram’s wife was barren (11:30) and, being Chaldeans (11:31), they were moon-worshippers, God nevertheless revealed himself, promising to bless him and make him into a nation that would bless all nations (12:1-3). Abram responded in faith (15:1-6) and God made a covenant with him (15:7-20; 17:1-22). Abraham – see 17:5 for the change of his name from Abram – wasn’t perfect (12:10-20; 20:1-18) and tried to help God’s plan (16:1-16); but he finally learned that God does things in his own way and time. Only then was Isaac, the promised son, born (21:1-7).

Under Isaac and his son Jacob, God’s people grew in numbers and prosperity, living as nomads in Canaan (chs. 24–36). Jacob’s twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel, the name Jacob was given after wrestling with God (32:22-32). Through one of those sons, Joseph (37:1-36; 39:1–41:57), Israel went to Egypt to avoid a famine (42:1–50:26). The growing family was now safe, but in the wrong place! It would be centuries before they returned to the Promised Land, a key feature in Old Testament history.

Author

The traditional view is that Moses wrote the Bible’s first five books (the Pentateuch or five-volume book), though some think his stories were only written down much later. But since Moses kept written records (Exodus 17:14; 24:4; 34:27), there seems no good reason for doubting his authorship, as Jesus himself confirmed (Mark 7:10; 12:26).

Date

Although recording events from much earlier in history, Genesis was probably written during the wilderness wanderings (c.1446–1406 bc), though some later editing may have taken place.

OUTLINE

The beginnings of everything

1:1–2:25 The beginning of the world in fellowship with God

3:1-24 The beginning of sin and its effects

4:1-26 The mixed beginnings of Adam’s family

5:1-32 Adam’s family tree

Beginning again with Noah

6:1–8:19 The destruction of the world by the flood and Noah’s salvation

8:20–9:17 God’s new covenant with Noah

9:18-27 Another mixed beginning

9:28–10:32 Noah’s family tree

11:1-9 The world’s sin at the tower of Babel

The beginnings of God’s family

Abraham’s story

11:10-32 Abraham’s ancestors

12:1-9 God calls Abram

12:10-20 Abram’s mixed beginning in Egypt

13:1–14:24 Abram and Lot

15:1-21 God’s new covenant with Abram

16:1-16 Ishmael is born

17:1-27 God gives Abram a new name and the sign of circumcision

18:1-15 God reaffirms his promise to Abraham and Sarah

18:16–19:29 The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot’s salvation

19:30-38 Interlude: Lot and his family

20:1-18 Abraham deceives Abimelech

21:1–21:21 Isaac is born and Ishmael is sent away

21:22-34 Abraham’s treaty with Abimelech

22:1-19 Abraham’s obedience is tested

22:20–24:67 Abraham’s wife dies and Isaac marries Rebekah

25:1-10 Abraham’s death and burial

Isaac’s story

25:11-26 The families of Abraham’s sons, Ishmael and Isaac

25:27-34 Esau sells his birthright to Jacob

26:1-35 Isaac deceives Abimelech and makes a treaty

Jacob’s story

27:1-40 Jacob deceives Isaac to gain Esau’s blessing

27:41–28:9 Jacob flees home and Esau marries a Canaanite

28:10-22 Jacob meets God in a dream

29:1–30:24 Jacob’s marriages and children

30:25–31:55 Jacob cheats Laban of his wealth and leaves

32:1–33:20 Jacob wrestles with God and is reunited with Esau

34:1-31 Interlude: Dinah and the Shechemites

35:1-15 God promises to bless Jacob and gives him a new name

35:16-29 Jacob’s family

36:1-43 Esau’s family tree

Joseph’s story

37:1-11 Joseph dreams of greatness

37:12-36 Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery

38:1-30 Interlude: the story of Judah and Tamar

39:1-23 Joseph is wrongly accused and imprisoned

40:1-23 Joseph interprets dreams in prison

41:1-57 Joseph reveals the coming famine to Pharaoh and is made ruler of Egypt

42:1–44:34 Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt for food

45:1–47:12 Joseph is reunited with his brothers and father in Egypt

47:13-26 Joseph’s greatness in Egypt

47:27–50:14 Jacob blesses his sons and dies

50:15-26 The last days and death of Joseph

KEY THEMES

God

The Bible’s opening verse focuses us on God – eternal (21:33), unique (1 Timothy 1:17), all-powerful, creating everything from nothing (Hebrews 11:3). However, he is no mere force or power, but personal, making humans in his image (1:26-27) for relationship with him (2:7-24). As Genesis unfolds, we see that he is also gracious (12:1-3), caring (16:7-16), sovereign (50:20), and yet he judges sin (3:23; 6:7; 11:8; 19:23-29).

Humanity

Although made on the same day as animals, humans are distinct and superior, reflected in their separate creation (1:24-26), dominion over the animal world (1:28), and creation in God’s image (1:26-27) – an image reflected fully and equally in both sexes.

Creation

Creation is good (1:4,10,12,18,21,25,31) and to be enjoyed, but not to the exclusion of its creator, nor by being made into god (Exodus 20:4-5). As God’s stewards, humanity is to care for creation on his behalf (1:28; 2:15; 9:1-3; Psalm 8:3-8; 115:16).

Sin

Adam and Eve’s disobedience had widespread consequences, affecting relationship with God (3:8-10), one another (3:7,12), and creation itself (3:17-19), yet excusing its guilt by hiding and explaining things away (3:7-13). Their sin spread deeply into their descendants (eg 4:1-8) and the rest of humanity (6:1-6) so that every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood (8:21). The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Covenant

While covenants (solemn, unbreakable contracts between two parties) were common, biblical covenants were distinct by being entirely at God’s initiative. So all Abraham could do when God made covenant with him was stand by and watch (15:1-21). Only after it was made could he respond. God made covenants with his people at key times (eg 9:8-17; 15:9-21; 17:1-27; 19:3-8), but the prophets looked forward to a new covenant, written in people’s hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:25-27), which the New Testament says happened through Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 9:15-28).

Election

Election is God’s gracious and sovereign calling of people for his greater purpose. In Genesis he chooses Israel through Abraham (12:1-3; 15:1-18; 17:1-16) rather than another nation, Isaac rather than Ishmael (17:19-21; Romans 9:6-9), Jacob rather than Esau (25:23; 27:1-40; Romans 9:10-16). This choice isn’t out of favouritism, but love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8), in order to bring about his bigger salvation purposes. Those chosen can therefore never be proud (Romans chapters 9–11), and even those not chosen can still find blessing, as Ishmael (21:17-20) and Esau (36:6-8) discovered.

RELEVANCE FOR TODAY

Sin is always exposed

Sin’s deceitfulness makes us think we can hide sin; but we can’t. Adam and Eve tried to hide (3:8-10); Cain claimed to know nothing of what had happened to Abel (4:8-12); Abraham lied about Sarah (12:10-20; 20:1-18); but all were exposed. We don’t find forgiveness for sin by hiding it, but by confessing it (eg 1 John 1:8-9).

Faith is always rewarded

Abraham wasn’t perfect; what put him right with God was not behaviour, but faith (15:6). Despite setbacks and mistakes, he kept faith in God’s promise and was therefore blessed (21:1-5; 22:1-18). The New Testament sees him as an example to follow (eg Romans 4:1-25; Galatians 3:1-18; Hebrews 11:8-19).

Promises are always fulfilled

God promised Abraham he would be very fruitful (17:6) and become a great nation. Genesis shows how this promise was kept, as Abraham’s descendants grew in numbers and wealth, eventually becoming twelve tribes. When Canaan experienced a famine, God took them to safety in Egypt where they were fruitful and increased greatly in number (47:27). This continued until, by Exodus, Pharaoh was fearful of their size (Exodus 1:1-10).

Obedience is always blessed

Abraham responded to God’s call to Go to the land I will show you (12:1) even though he didn’t know where it was, trusting God’s promise that he would be blessed and be a blessing (12:2). This mission call to go is still relevant today for all God’s people (Matthew 28:18-20). As Jesus’ followers obeyed it, they too were blessed (eg Mark 16:20; Acts 2:38-41; 8:4-8), as we ourselves will be.

Purposes are always worked out

Right from the Garden of Eden, Satan has tried to oppose God’s purposes, but Genesis shows how God’s providence – his unceasing watch over his people and his shaping of all events and circumstances for his own purposes – ensures that things always come out right in the end. While we see this at several points in the lives of the patriarchs, nowhere is it clearer than in the story of Joseph. He trusted God was at work even when everything seemed to go wrong (37:36; 39:1–41:57), assuring his fearful brothers that God had been working through everything (50:20-21). Still today God is the one who in all things works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

ABRAHAM’S JOURNEYS

Abraham and his family group’s journey from Ur in southern Mesopotamia took him through the fertile river plains where their flocks could find pasture. While most of the group settled in Paddan-Aram, Abraham obeyed God’s call and travelled on with his own family to Canaan. A visit to Egypt provided respite during a time of famine.

INTRODUCTION

GENESIS

DAVID F. PAYNE

Genesis gets its name from the ancient Greek translation of the book; the word means origin or beginning, and the title is appropriate because the book traces history back to the beginning of time. Many of the great biblical themes have their origin in Genesis—notably sin, judgment, salvation and promise. The pivotal character of Genesis is Abraham; the early chapters (1–11) gradually restrict the field of vision from the whole universe to the one individual, Abraham, while the rest of the book shows how God’s promise to him of a great nation descended from him began to come true. How did the nation of Israel come into being? Why did it have a special relationship with God? How did it come to find itself in Egypt so early in its national history? These are the major questions Genesis answers for us, but it also gives us a matchless insight into human nature and God’s character, and leaves us with a clear (though undetailed) impression of God’s ultimate purposes for Israel and humanity. Genesis is thus the essential prologue not only to Exodus but also to the whole Bible, not excluding the New Testament.

On questions of date, authorship and chronology, Bible students should consult standard commentaries (those by D. Kidner and E. A. Speiser are outstanding in different ways), Old Testament introductions or Bible dictionaries.

THE BEGINNINGS OF EVERYTHING

GENESIS 1:1-25

If man is to make sense out of life, and find any purpose in it, he must come to terms with his environment and his own nature.

The Bible offers information and guidance on man’s environment and his nature, and its opening chapter begins with a consideration of man’s environment—the material universe in which he finds himself. The universe is not described in coldly scientific terms, for that would be irrelevant to human needs, but is presented from the human point of view (hence, for instance, the central position given to our planet). The narrative is not unhistorical, since the present situation can only be accounted for by some description of what brought it about, but the main emphasis is on the present, not the past.