Pentateuch Authorship, Exodus Themes, and Genesis Character Development

What is the traditional view regarding the authorship of the Pentateuch?

Moses is traditionally considered the author.

What evidence challenges the claim of Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch?

There is no explicit claim of Mosaic authorship, and the text narrates the death of Moses.

What is the Documentary Hypothesis regarding the Pentateuch?

It suggests that the Pentateuch is a compilation of four main sources (JEDP) from the 10th to 6th century BCE.

What is a limitation of the Documentary Hypothesis?

None of the proposed sources have ever been found, and it does not significantly aid in understanding the text as a whole.

What analogy is used to describe the relationship between the sources of the Pentateuch and the final text?

A river analogy: the Pentateuch is like a river fed by many tributaries, which cannot be separated back into the original sources.

What is the focus of the study of the Pentateuch in this class?

The focus is on the final form of the text through canonical criticism.

What is the first major event in Exodus regarding God's people?

God saves his people from oppression in Egypt.

What does God do in response to the cries of the enslaved Israelites in Exodus?

God hears their cries and sends Moses to save them.

What significant event occurs during the tenth plague in Exodus?

The death of every firstborn child in Egypt, while Israel is spared.

What is the origin of Passover according to Exodus?

It originates from the tenth plague, where Israel is spared from the death of the firstborn.

How does God sustain his people in Exodus 15:22-18:27?

God provides water and food in response to the people's complaints.

What significant laws does God give to his people in Exodus 19-24?

God gives the Ten Commandments and various other laws, mostly casuistic rather than apodictic.

What is the nature of the relationship established by the law according to Exodus?

It is a covenantal relationship founded on grace, where salvation precedes obedience.

What is the significance of the tabernacle in Exodus 25-40?

It represents God's dwelling among his people, with instructions for its construction provided.

What incident interrupts the narrative of the tabernacle's construction in Exodus?

The Golden Calf Incident.

What key theme is emphasized regarding God's people in Exodus?

God's people are defined by God's gracious presence among them.

What are some common themes discussed in Genesis 25:12-36:43?

Themes of character development, particularly in the character of Jacob.

How does Jacob's character develop in Genesis?

Jacob's character shows development through various experiences and challenges, which can be supported by specific examples from the text.

What is the focus of small group discussions in relation to Genesis?

Discussion on common themes and character development within the text.

What type of laws does God primarily give in Exodus 19-24?

Mostly casuistic (case-based) laws rather than apodictic (principle-based) laws.

What does the narrative of Exodus suggest about the nature of God's relationship with His people?

It suggests a dynamic relationship where God actively saves, sustains, instructs, and dwells among His people.