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Categorization of First Testament ScriptureTorah (Law) History Wisdom Literature Prophetic Books
GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomy
JoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahTobitJudithEsther1 Maccabees2 Maccabees
JobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of Songs (Solomon)Wisdom (of Solomon)Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
IsaiahJeremiahLamentationsBaruchEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachi
Law and History Texts
• First five books of the Bible/Torah (Pentateuch) outline the Law• Law meaning “Something laid down, fixed”• Historical texts • Ancestry of the Hebrews
Law
• Centres around Covenant• Basis of society• Law points to highest values (constitution)• Point to relationship with God
Without laws, Canada would cease being a
sovereign, democratic, capitalist, parliamentary-
democracy. Laws, therefore, establish who
and what we are.
God of the Covenant
• Covenant comes from Hebrew Berit (literally, to shackle)• Different kinds of Covenants• Friendship• Contract• Peace Treaty• Marriage• Treaty between Kings• Lord and Vassal
Above: Friendship CovenantBelow: Master-Servant Covenant
Law of God
• Decalogue (Exod. 20)• The Covenant Code (Exod. 21-23)• Casuistic Laws (Case-by-case scenarios)• Laws originating from rural economy (not nomadic)
• Deuteronomist Code (Deut. 12-26)• Laws originating from urban monarchy• Laws from king, how to conduct war, how to
determine who is a real prophet
• The Holiness Code (Lev. 17-26)• Laws for Priests
Nothing symbolizes law better than the ravenous characters of Boston Legal
History Covered in First Testament
• Over 2000 years of history covered• Extends as far back as 4000 BCE (time of
Abraham)• Formation of Israel• Israel situated between main powers of the
Middle East• Constantly being conquered and re-conquered
Atonement
• Sacrifice and ritualistic purification• Innocent blood offered up• Establishes right relationship with God• Receive worldly blessings• Shift in 6th century BCE• Development of afterlife