Primary Authors & Sources
From Genesis through the Mosaic books, students read covenant theology in the text itself—exegesis that feeds preaching of Moses as Christian Scripture. John Calvin’s Commentary on Genesis and his Harmony of the Last Books of Moses remain the Reformed model of close reading under the rule of faith. James G. Murphy’s critical and exegetical commentaries on Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus supply verse-level help for the English classroom. Andrew Bonar’s Commentary on Leviticus is the classic expository and practical guide to sacrifice and holiness. Gustav Friedrich Oehler’s Theology of the Old Testament orders Mosaic doctrine as a whole—God, covenant, and worship—beyond isolated verses. S. R. Driver’s Commentary on Deuteronomy opens the book of the covenant’s renewal with scholarly care. Together they serve preaching Christ from the Law without allegory or neglect.
What You Will Study
Students exegete the Pentateuch with attention to creation, fall, flood, Abrahamic covenant, Exodus redemption, Sinai law, tabernacle worship, and Deuteronomistic covenant renewal as foundation of biblical theology. The course employs Hebrew language skills where applicable and Reformed hermeneutical method emphasizing Moses's authorship, historical reliability, and Christological fulfillment without allegorical excess. Readings include Genesis through Deuteronomy with commentaries from Calvin, Currid, and modern Reformed scholars. Students analyze covenant structure, sacrificial typology, and prophetic promise embedded in Torah narrative and legislation. Weekly exegesis papers treat assigned passages demonstrating grammatical observation, canonical context, and Christ-centered application suitable for preaching in house church settings.
Course Objectives
Objectives include exegeting representative Pentateuchal passages with grammatical and theological precision, explaining covenant theology's roots in Abrahamic and Mosaic administrations, defending Mosaic authorship and historical trustworthiness against critical theories, and preaching Christ from Law without antinomian or legalistic distortion. Students will compare Old Testament sacrificial system with New Testament fulfillment in Christ's priesthood. The course cultivates ability to teach Genesis through Deuteronomy as Christian Scripture. Students will articulate Sabbath, Passover, and tabernacle theology for contemporary worship reflection. Assessments include exegesis papers, exams on Pentateuch content, and sermon outlines on assigned Torah texts.
Ministry & Life Application
Pentateuchal exegesis grounds all subsequent biblical theology in God's creational purpose, covenant faithfulness, and law written on hearts under the new covenant. Pastors who master Torah preach creation, sin, and redemption with canonical depth rather than New Testament isolationism. House church Bible studies across the Florida Keys gain leaders who can teach Genesis and Exodus as gospel narrative pointing to Christ. Pastoral ministry is enriched by understanding how Mosaic worship patterns inform Reformed sacramental theology and Lord's Day observance. Congregations discover Christ in Moses's writings as Jesus himself declared to be the church's joy and assurance.