CHAPTER 1: The Law

There are 3 basic Eras to the books called “the Law,” which are the first 5 books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers. The Eras are Creation, Flood and Babel; Patriarchs; and the Exodus.

I’d encourage you to start a notebook – either electronically, or on paper. At the top of one page, write “God.” On the next, write, “Jesus.” Then, “Holy Spirit.” Then “themes.” As you study, note down in simple words or phrases what you learn about the persons of God. For example, after reading the story of creation, I might write, “creative / Creator of all.” After reading about the flood, I might write, “meets out justice.” The idea is to see how the Bible develops the character of God, in all His persons, throughout its entirety. And to trace some of the themes that run throughout the Bible.

I’ve broken the text into 6 parts – intended for use 6 days/week during your quiet time. For each section, we’ll ask the same questions:

1. What happens? (major characters, events, places)

2. What does it say about God?

3. What questions does it raise? (Write down at least 1.)

4. How should I respond? (Write down at least one practical, tangible adjustment to your life/thinking.)

For each of these sections, answer the four questions above:

Creation, the Flood and Babel

Read Gen 1-5.

Read Gen 6-9, and Gen 11:1-9.

The Patriarchs(Genesis 12-50)

Gen 12, 14:17-15:21, 17:1-18:33, 21:1-7, 24, 25:19-26:5, 27-32

Note the original nameand its meaning, and the new nameand its meaning

Abramexalted fatherAbrahamfather of many (Gen 17:5)

Sarai______(Gen 17:15)

Jacob______

Gen 35, 37-48

Here’s the family tree (all references are in Genesis, the 12 Tribes of the Israelites are in bold):

Terah (11:27) Nahor Bethuel Rebekah (who marries Isaac, below)

Laban (24:29)

7 others (22:20-23)

HaranMilcah (who becomes Nahor’s wife, 11:29)

Iscah (11:29)

Lot (11:29, 31)Moab & Ammon (incestuously, by his daughters, 19:37-38)

Abraham (w/ Hagar) Ishmael (6:15)

(w/ Sarah) Isaac (21:3) Esau (25:25-26)

Jacob (w/ Leah)Reuben,Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,Dinah

(w/ Rachel) Joseph(30:24)  Manasseh, Ephraim (41:51)

(w/ Rachel) Benjamin (35:18)

(w/ Bilhah) Dan, Naphtali (30:6-8)

(w/ Zilpah) Gad, Asher (30:11-13)

The Exodus

Read Ex 1-10

Read Ex 11-14, 19-20

The 10 Commandments, Exodus 20:1-17:

Don’t have any other gods before Me.Don’t murder.

Don’t make idols.Don’t commit adultery.

Don’t misuse My Name.Don’t steal.

Keep the Sabbath day holy.Don’t give false testimony.

Honor your parents.Don’t covet.