OTBS 201: The Torah

Exploring the Five Books of Moses</u>

Course Description

Welcome to OTBS 201: The Torah! This course is a foundational exploration of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Known in Hebrew as the Torah (תּוֹרָה), meaning “instruction” or “law,” these books form the bedrock of all subsequent Scripture. We will trace the story from the creation of the universe to the eve of Israel’s entry into the Promised Land. You will encounter the foundational narratives of God’s people, the establishment of His covenants, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the principles of holiness that were to define them. This study is absolutely essential for understanding God’s redemptive plan and the entire biblical narrative that unfolds from it.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each dedicated to one of the five books of the Torah. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate Core Narratives: Clearly summarize the main storyline and theological themes of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
• Identify Key Elements: Recognize the major characters (e.g., Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses), pivotal events (e.g., the Flood, the Exodus, the giving of the Law), and central legal concepts within the Torah.
• Understand Covenantal Framework: Explain the structure, promises, and obligations of the foundational biblical covenants, including the Noahic, Abrahamic, and Mosaic Covenants.
• Analyze Literary Genres: Differentiate between the various literary styles in the Torah, including narrative, law, poetry, and prophecy, and apply basic principles for their interpretation.
• Trace Redemptive Themes: Identify how the Torah introduces and develops key redemptive-historical themes such as creation, fall, redemption, covenant, and holiness.
• Establish a Biblical Foundation: Appreciate the Torah’s indispensable role as the foundation for the rest of the Old and New Testaments, providing the context for the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Genesis – The Book of Beginnings

• Lesson 1: The Primeval History: Creation, Fall, and Flood (Genesis 1-11)
• Lesson 2: The Call of Abraham & The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12-25)
• Lesson 3: The Promise Extended: Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 25-36)
• Lesson 4: Providence and Preservation: The Story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
• Lesson 5: Foundational Themes and Covenants in Genesis

Chapter 2: Exodus – Redemption & Covenant

• Lesson 1: The Oppression of Israel and the Call of Moses (Exodus 1-6)
• Lesson 2: The Ten Plagues and the Passover (Exodus 7-13)
• Lesson 3: Deliverance at the Red Sea and Journey to Sinai (Exodus 14-18)
• Lesson 4: The Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24)
• Lesson 5: The Tabernacle, the Golden Calf, and Covenant Renewal (Exodus 25-40)

Chapter 3: Leviticus – A Holy God & A Holy People

• Lesson 1: Approaching a Holy God: The Sacrificial System (Leviticus 1-7)
• Lesson 2: A Holy Priesthood: Consecration and Crisis (Leviticus 8-10)
• Lesson 3: The Heart of Holiness: Purity and the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 11-16)
• Lesson 4: Living as a Holy Nation: The Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-27)
• Lesson 5: The Rhythms of Holiness: The Feasts of the LORD

Chapter 4: Numbers – The Wilderness Wanderings

• Lesson 1: Organizing the Covenant Community at Sinai (Numbers 1-10)
• Lesson 2: Rebellion, Unbelief, and Judgment in the Wilderness (Numbers 11-21)
• Lesson 3: Balaam, Prophecy, and Spiritual Warfare (Numbers 22-25)
• Lesson 4: Preparing a New Generation for the Promised Land (Numbers 26-36)
• Lesson 5: Theological Lessons from the Wilderness Wanderings

Chapter 5: Deuteronomy – Covenant Renewal for a New Generation

• Lesson 1: Moses’ First Sermon: Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Deuteronomy 1-4)
• Lesson 2: Moses’ Second Sermon: Reviewing the Law (Deuteronomy 5-26)
• Lesson 3: The Shema: The Heart of Covenant Relationship (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
• Lesson 4: Blessings and Curses: The Choice of Life or Death (Deuteronomy 27-30)
• Lesson 5: Moses’ Final Words, Song, and Succession (Deuteronomy 31-34)

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.