Definition of The Pentateuch

The first five books of the Ancient Will they are known as the Pentateuch. This term comes from the Greek and literally means five volumes. For the Jews this denomination it is known as the Torah. According to tradition Judeo-Christian Moses was the one who wrote the Pentateuch.

The books integrated into the Pentateuch are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

In Genesis the creation of the Earth and the heavens is narrated. In this book the origin of the humanity and the history of the patriarchs as the origin of the people of Israel. In this text sacred presents itself to God as the creator of all that exists.

One of the best known stories in Genesis is the one related to the disobedience of Adam and Eve and the consequent original sin of humanity.

The book of Exodus tells the story of the people of Israel from the period of slavery in Egypt to their full liberation on Mount Sinai

In other words, the rise of Israel is counted as nation. In the Exodus also appear the ten commandments.

The book of Leviticus is intended for the Levites, the first priests consecrated by Moses (They receive this name because they belonged to the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve original tribes of the town of Israel). Throughout the chapters, subjects such as animal sacrifices, offerings to God, food prohibitions or the offerings of the priests for the expiation of sins are dealt with.

The fourth book of the Pentateuch is called Numbers because it contains figures and records about the events related to the crossing of the desert from Egypt to Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy is an eminently historical book. In the chapters that make it up, some relevant episodes in the history of the people of Israel are narrated: the advance to the promised land, the exhortation of Moses for the people to respect the commandments, the prohibition from the worship of false gods or historical references to major religious celebrations (eg the Feast of Tabernacles).

Recapping

The Pentateuch has a historical and at the same time theological relevance. For Christians, the five books that make it up have a Christological purpose, that is, they help to understand the figure of Jesus Christ as the true Messiah.

For the Jews it constitutes the origin of divine revelation.

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