The Torah
The Foundation of God's Story
Before we begin reading Genesis, it helps to understand the first section of the Bible known as the Torah.
The word Torah (pronounced TORE-ah) is a Hebrew word that is often translated as "law," but its meaning is broader than a list of rules. It can also mean instruction, teaching, or guidance. The Torah reveals God's character, His wisdom, and His desire to have a relationship with His people.
The Torah is made up of the first five books of the Bible:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
These books are also called the Books of Moses, the Law of Moses, or the Pentateuch (a Greek word meaning "five books"). Throughout His ministry, Jesus often referred to them simply as Moses or the Law.
The Torah is much more than the beginning of the Bible. It lays the foundation for everything that follows. It introduces the Creator, explains how sin entered the world, tells the story of God's covenant with Abraham, records Israel's rescue from slavery, and teaches what it meant to live as God's covenant people. The promises, themes, and patterns introduced here continue throughout the rest of Scripture and ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Some Christians are unsure how to read the Torah because it contains sacrifices, priestly laws, festivals, and instructions that seem very different from life today. Yet Jesus knew these books thoroughly. He quoted them often, referred to their people and events as true history, and used them to teach about the Kingdom of God.
The Torah helps us understand:
Who God is.
Why the world is broken.
Why humanity needs redemption.
How God began His covenant with Abraham.
Why Israel was chosen.
The background for Jesus' life and ministry.
Without the Torah, much of the New Testament would be difficult to understand.
Reading the Torah Well
As you read these five books, remember that not every passage serves the same purpose.
Some passages tell the story of real people and historical events.
Some contain laws given specifically to Israel under the Old Covenant.
Some explain the priesthood, sacrifices, and worship.
Others contain songs, blessings, or Moses' final speeches.
The Bible faithfully records both the faithfulness and the failures of God's people. It describes many events without approving of them. For this reason, it is important to read each passage in its context and to ask what it reveals about God's character and His unfolding plan.
No part of the Old Testament shaped Jesus' ministry more than the Torah.
When He faced temptation in the wilderness, He answered with words from Deuteronomy. When He taught about marriage, He returned to Genesis. He spoke of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the Passover, the manna in the wilderness, and many other events found in these five books. He did not treat them as legends or myths, but as the Word of God.
Jesus also reminded His followers that the Scriptures point beyond themselves to God's plan of redemption.
"If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me."
— John 5:46 (CSB)
The Torah helps us understand the world Jesus lived in, the Scriptures He taught from, and the foundation of God's plan to redeem humanity.
The Torah is the foundation of God's story. It introduces the Creator, explains humanity's need for redemption, and reveals God's covenant with His people. More than a collection of laws, it is the beginning of God's plan to restore what was broken—a plan that reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The Five Books at a Glance
Genesis — God creates the world, humanity falls into sin, and God begins His covenant with Abraham.
Exodus — God rescues Israel from slavery, establishes His covenant, and dwells among His people.
Leviticus — God teaches His redeemed people how to worship Him and live holy lives.
Numbers — God patiently leads His people through the wilderness, teaching them to trust Him.
Deuteronomy — Moses prepares a new generation to enter the Promised Land by calling them to remember God's faithfulness and love Him with all their heart.
