Book Study – The

A tool to help with reading the Bible.

Produced by XA Denton Chi Alpha | UNT & TWU

Introduction:

In the first book of the Torah, Genesis, we see God create a good and perfect world. Included in His creation was mankind, which was to act as God's representatives on earth. Mankind, however, had other ideas and chose to define what was good and evil for themselves. After this decision, things get bad for mankind – so bad that God has to eventually destroy them all with the flood and start over.

This represents the beginning of God's mission to rescue and restore His world. To begin this mission, God raises up Abraham and promises him that through his descendants all of the nations of the world would come to know God's blessing. It turns out, though, that Abraham and his descendants were a pretty dysfunctional family. However, in spite of their mishaps, God still continues to use them for His plan.

This brings us to the second book of the Torah, Exodus. Here, the are enslaved to the Egyptians, and the first half of the book focuses on how God raises up to deliver His people from the Egyptians. God saves His people from the Egyptians, but now they are a nation without a home, wandering in the desert and unsure why God saved them in the first place.

From this point forward, we see God begin to try and restore His presence among His People. He comes down on Mount Sinai, gives Moses the , and gives instructions on how the Israelites should build a temple – a place where God will be able to live among them.

When Moses tries to enter the temple, he is unable to go into God's presence. How an impure and sinful people are going to be able to coexist with a pure and perfect God? This problem is what the sets out to solve. In Leviticus, God gives His people the instructions they need to purify themselves so that it is safe for them to be so close to the all-powerful goodness, or holiness, of God. To us, these instructions can seem a little strange. All of them, however, have a purpose; to keep the Israelites in a state where they are able to commune with their God.

Now that God has given His people a way by which they can live with Him, it's time for Him to deliver them to the land He promised them. This is the story we see unfold in the . What should be a two-week trip to the , though, turns into a forty-year trek thanks to the Israelites' lack of trust in God. Yet in spite of their rebellion, God continues to deliver on His promise to provide for them.

In the final book of the Torah, Deuteronomy, Moses gives a final speech to the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. Here, in this final speech, Moses pleads with the people to be different than those who came before them. He promises them that if they listen to God, love God, and love one another, they will receive all of the blessings that God has promised.

Moses dies at the end of Deuteronomy, but the speech he gives in this book serves as an exclamation point for the Torah and sets the scene for how the nation of Israel will go on to carry out God's ultimate plan – the salvation of all mankind.

Provided by TheBibleProject.com

Reading Checklist:

Exodus 1: ____ Leviticus 5: ____ Numbers 23:____ Exodus 2: ____ Leviticus 6: ____ Numbers 24:____ Exodus 3: ____ Leviticus 7: ____ Numbers 25:____ Exodus 4: ____ Leviticus 8: ____ Numbers 26:____ Exodus 5: ____ Leviticus 9: ____ Numbers 27:____ Exodus 6: ____ Leviticus 10: ____ Numbers 28: ____ Exodus 7: ____ Leviticus 11: ____ Numbers 29:____ Exodus 8: ____ Leviticus 12: ____ Numbers 30:____ Exodus 9: ____ Leviticus 13: ____ Numbers 31:____ Exodus 10: ____ Leviticus 14:____ Numbers 32:____ Exodus 11: ____ Leviticus 15: ____ Numbers 33:____ Exodus 12: ____ Leviticus 16: ____ Numbers 34:____ Exodus 13: ____ Leviticus 17: ____ Numbers 35:____ Exodus 14: ____ Leviticus 18:____ Numbers 36:____ Exodus 15: ____ Leviticus 19: ____ Exodus 16: ____ Leviticus 20:____ Deut. 1: ____ Deut. 2: ____ Exodus 17: ____ Leviticus 21: ____ Deut. 3: ____ Exodus 18: ____ Leviticus 22:____ Deut. 4: ____ Exodus 20: ____ Leviticus 23:____ Deut. 5: ____ Exodus 21: ____ Leviticus 24:____ Deut. 6: ____ Exodus 21: ____ Leviticus 25:____ Deut. 7: ____ Deut. 8: ____ Exodus 22: ____ Leviticus 26:____ Deut. 9: ____ Exodus 23: ____ Leviticus 27:____ Deut. 10: ____ Exodus 24: ____ Deut. 11: ____ Exodus 25: ____ Numbers 1: ____ Deut. 12: ____ Exodus 26: ____ Numbers 2: ____ Deut. 13: ____ Deut. 14: ____ Exodus 27: ____ Numbers 3: ____ Deut. 15: ____ Exodus 28: ____ Numbers 4: ____ Deut. 16: ____ Exodus 29: ____ Numbers 5: ____ Deut. 17: ____ Exodus 30: ____ Numbers 6: ____ Deut. 18: ____ Exodus 31: ____ Numbers 7: ____ Deut. 19: ____ Numbers 8: ____ Deut. 20: ____ Exodus 32: ____ Deut. 21: ____ Exodus 33: ____ Numbers 9: ____ Deut. 22: ____ Exodus 34: ____ Numbers 10:____ Deut. 23: ____ Exodus 35: ____ Numbers 11: ____ Deut. 24: ____ Exodus 36: ____ Numbers 12:____ Deut. 25: ____ Numbers 13:____ Deut. 26: ____ Exodus 37: ____ Deut. 27: ____ Exodus 38: ____ Numbers 14:____ Deut. 28: ____ Exodus 39: ____ Numbers 15:____ Deut. 29: ____ Exodus 40: ____ Numbers 16:____ Deut. 30: ____ Numbers 17:____ Deut. 31: ____ Numbers 18: ____ Deut. 32: ____ Leviticus 1: ____ Deut. 33: ____ Leviticus 2: ____ Numbers 19:____ Deut. 34: ____ Leviticus 3: ____ Numbers 20:____ Leviticus 4: ____ Numbers 21:____ Numbers 22:____ Exodus: Descriptions provided by Tyndale’s New Living Translation Bible book preface

Content: Every country has its own national history—a record of the events leading to its independence. The records Israel’s history, recounting its earliest years and God’s covenant with its people. Exodus takes its name from the main event of the book: the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The book begins with a short account of how the Israelites become slaves in Egypt. The focus then shifts to the birth and life of Moses, God’s chosen leader for Israel. From a burning bush in the Sinai Desert, God called Moses to return to his homeland of Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom. But Pharaoh refused to free the Israelites, and as a result he brought God’s ten plagues upon Egypt. The final plague not only changed Pharaoh’s mind; it become a memorial of God’s deliverance, celebrated in the observance of Passover. Once set free, the Israelites traveled to the wilderness of Sinai to worship God. But Pharaoh chased them to the Red Sea, where God displayed his power by parting it for the Israelites to cross but closing it over the pursing Egyptians. The Israelites were then free to travel to Mount Sinai. There God established his covenant with them, giving them the Ten Commandments and plans for the . After the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle, God filled it with his glory, signifying his presence with them.

Author: Moses, according to Jewish tradition

Date: Uncertain, perhaps 1450-1410 B.C.

Purpose: To record the events of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and development as a nation

Themes: God’s sovereignty, guidance, redemption, and covenant with Israel; obedience.

Milestones (Bibleproject.com)

• Slavery in Egypt: Pharaoh is depicted as the most evil character in the biblical story so far. He enacts forced labor and child murder. The Israelites cry out to God for help, and God raises up Moses. • God verse Pharaoh: God offers Pharaoh many chances to let the Israelites go. He brings ten plagues that show his power over all creation and Egypt’s feeble gods. • The Passover: The introduction of the Passover festival accomplishes Israel’s redemption through the offering of a sacrificial substitute, a spotless lamb. • The Sea Crossing: God works a mighty miracle, and Israel worships God for his deliverance. They sing and look forward to the promised land. • The Wilderness Wanderings: Once free, God’s people begin to grumble and complain about their situation, showing their hard hearts toward the God who delivered them.

For a video overview, visit: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/exodus Exodus 1-6: Israel’s bondage and the birth and call of Moses

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 8-11: The plagues, the Passover, and (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 12-15: The plagues, the Passover, and the Exodus (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 16-20: The trip to Sinai and the giving of the Law (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 21-24: The trip to Sinai and the giving of the Law (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 25-31: Instructions for the Tabernacle

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 32-34: Israel’s sin and repentance

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Exodus 35-40: The building of the Tabernacle

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus: Descriptions provided by Tyndale’s New Living Translation Bible book preface

Content: Our entire lives should glorify God—from our religious worship to our daily tasks. With this in mind, the book of Leviticus was written as a handbook for the religious servants (the priests and Levites) of Israel. Leviticus gives detailed rules concerning the daily lives of the Israelites and special procedures for the worship of the Lord. It provides instructions for offering sacrifices. Leviticus also describes the proper methods for the Israelites to observe major festivals and holidays and for the priests to carry out the duties of their office.

Author: Moses, according to Jewish tradition

Date: Uncertain, perhaps 1445-1444 B.C.

Purpose: To outline the Levites’ duties in worship and to each the Israelites how to live holy lives.

Themes: Sacrifice and offering, proper worship, healthy living, the importance of holiness.

Milestones (Bibleproject.com)

• The Five Offerings: God instructs Moses on five different offerings, two that express thanksgiving and three to cover for sin and uncleanliness. • First Priesthood: God sets aside Aaron and his family as Israel’s first priests. Qualifications for the priesthood are also established after two of Aaron’s sons die by violating God’s holiness. • Purity Laws: God establishes rules around ritual purity that are not sinful but are associated with death. He also calls Israel to be different in moral purity through care for the poor, sexual integrity, and social justice. • Day of Atonement: At the center of the book of Leviticus is the Day of Atonement. One day a year, the high priest made a sacrifice for all of Israel, sacrificing one goat for their sins and sending another symbolically into the wilderness. • Moses enters the tent: At the beginning of the next book, Moses is able to enter the Tabernacle, showing that God has successfully made a way for his people to live in harmony with him.

For a video overview, visit: bibleproject.com/explore/leviticus

Leviticus 1-5: The sacrificial system (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus 6-10: The sacrificial system (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus 11-15: The sacrificial system (part 3)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus 16-20: The Day of Atonement and various regulations

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus 21-25: Rules for priests and rules concerning festivals

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Leviticus 26-27: Obedience, vows, and tithes

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers: Descriptions provided by Tyndale’s New Living Translation Bible book preface

Content: The discontented whining of a young child can be difficult to ignore. Likewise, the childish whining of the Israelites in the wilderness characterizes the book of Numbers. This book picks up where Exodus leaves off, with the Israelites camped at the base of Mount Sinai. From here the Israelites journeyed to the wilderness of Paran, south of the Promised Land. Scouts were sent to explore the Promised Land and give a report on its inhabitants. When they returned to the camp, their report was unfavorable. The people doubted God’s ability to give them their inheritance, and they complained against him. Because of their unfaithfulness, God condemned them to wander in the wilderness until the generation of complainers died and a new generation took their place. Forty years later they slowly made their way back to —this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles east of the , the Israelites prepared to enter the heart of the Promised Land they had waited so long to see.

Author: Moses, according to Jewish tradition

Date: Uncertain, perhaps 1450-1410 B.C.

Purpose: To tell the story of how Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, how they sinned and were punished, and how they returned again to enter the land.

Themes: Rebellion, faith, God’s justice and faithfulness

Milestones (Bibleproject.com)

• The Journey Begins: The people are sorted according to tribe with the Tabernacle at the center. God gives additional laws to help his people live by God’s holiness. • Are We There Yet?: In two separate sections, the people of Israel complain in the wilderness, bringing God’s discipline. God is faithful but allows his people to rebel and face consequences. • The Bad Report: Twelve spies enter the promised land, but ten of them stir up the people into rebellion. Moses urges God to remember his covenant with Abraham, and God declares that Israel will wander for 40 years. • The Plains of : The king of Moab pays to curse Israel, but three times he blesses them. Balaam sees a vision of a king who will rule over the nations. • A New Generation: At the end of the book, Israel prepares to enter the promised land. They win several key victories, and some tribes begin to settle.

For a video overview, visit: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/numbers

Numbers 1-2: The census of the men for battle

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 3-6: Special regulations for the Israelites (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 7-9: Special regulations for the Israelites (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 10-14: The journey to Canaan and the great rebellion

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 15-19: Wandering gin the wilderness

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 20-25: The journey to the plains of Moab and Balaam’s oracles

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 26-31: Preparations in Moab for entry into Canaan (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Numbers 32-36: Preparations in Moab for entry into Canaan (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy: Descriptions provided by Tyndale’s New Living Translation Bible book preface

Content: The records the covenant between God and Israel. It calls each new generation of Israel to remember who God is and what he has done for them. Through a series of speeches, this fifth and final book for Moses summarize the events that led up to that moment in Israel’s history: the eve of Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. Moses exhorted the Israelites to remain faithful and obedient and called them to rededicate their lives to the task God had given them. Then Moses led the people in worship. Finally, Moses appointed his successor, Joshua, and went off to a mountain by himself to view the Promised Land from a distance before he died.

Author: Moses, according to Jewish tradition

Date: Uncertain, perhaps 1407-1406 B.C.

Purpose: To remind the people of what God had done for them and to encourage them to rededicate their lives to him.

Themes: God’s faithfulness, God’s laws for his people, the consequences of sin, a call to obedience, God’s love for his people.

Milestones (Bibleproject.com)

• A New Generation: The story begins at the end of Israel’s wilderness wandering. All of those in the generation that rebelled against God have died, leaving a new generation to walk in faithfulness. • Love and Obey At the heart of Moses’ call to covenant faithfulness is a desire that Israel would become the kingdom of priests God desired, so that wisdom and justice would flow out to the nations. • Moses Reviews the Laws: Moses reviews the terms of the covenant made at Mount Sinai. These laws served as wise principles for Israel and as a higher moral standard for living compared to the neighboring nations. • Moses’ Final Speech: The people of Israel have two choices before them. They can choose hard- hearted rebellion, or they can choose to love and listen to God. • Moses Passes the Torch: Moses’ attendant Joshua is appointed as the new leader. Moses travels up a mountain to look at the promised land from a distance, and there he dies.

For a video overview, visit: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 1-4: Moses’ first address

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 5-10 : Moses’ second address (part 1)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 11-16 : Moses’ second address (part 2)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 17-22 : Moses’ second address (part 3)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 23-26 : Moses’ second address (part 4)

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 27-28: Summary of various laws

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 29-32: Moses’ third address and the appointment of Joshua

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______

Additional Notes: ______

Deuteronomy 33-34: Moses’ final words and death

What are two things that you noticed about God’s character in this section? ______

From what you read, what is something that you feel like God is showing you at this moment? ______

What is something that you learned or were challenged by that you can apply to your life? ______

What is something you read in this passage that you did not previously know or understand? ______Additional Notes: ______

Next, choose one of the following companions

1. Genesis - 50 chapters 2. The Torah (Exodus – Deuteronomy) – 133 chapters 3. Joshua and Judges– 45 chapters 4. Ruth and Esther – 14 chapters 5. The Kings (1 Sam – 2 Chronicles) - 177 chapters 6. After Babylon (Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel) – 35 chapters 7. Psalms – 150 Psalms 8. Poetry (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs) - 93 chapters 9. Isaiah & Ezekiel – 110 chapters 10. Jeremiah and Lamentations - 57 chapters 11. Minor Prophets, Pre-Exile – 43 chapters o (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk) 12. Minor Prophets, Post-Exile – 24 chapters o (Zephaniah, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi) 13. Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) – 68 chapters 14. John – 21 chapters 15. Acts – 28 chapters 16. Paul’s Letters to churches – 59 chapters o (Romans, 1 & 2 Cor., Galatians, 1 & 2 Thes.) 17. Paul’s Prison Epistles – 15 chapters o (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon) 18. Paul’s Letters to people (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) – 13 chapters 19. Apostle’s Letters (Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1 2 3 John, Jude) – 34 chapters 20. Revelation – 22 chapters