Primary Authors & Sources
THEO-101 builds its reading list from required primary and classical sources in pentateuchal exegesis and mosaic theology. The authors below are read as teachers across the centuries, not as entries in a bibliography. John Calvin stands among the great exegetes of the Reformation, modeling careful attention to the text, covenant structure, and pastoral aim of Scripture, notably in Commentaries on the First Book of Moses Called Genesis. James Gracey Murphy contributes A Critical and Exegetical Commentary of the Book of Exodus, offering firsthand access to the arguments, methods, and assumptions that shaped this period of study. Andrew Bonar contributes A Commentary on the Book of Leviticus, offering firsthand access to the arguments, methods, and assumptions that shaped this period of study.
Taken together, these readings form a coherent conversation across centuries — students encounter real arguments, not flattened summaries. Keil and Delitzsch offer classic nineteenth-century exegesis that remains valuable for historical-grammatical reading of the Old Testament, notably in Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament - Numbers,…. William Henry Green contributes The Higher Criticism of the Pentateuch, offering firsthand access to the arguments, methods, and assumptions that shaped this period of study. A. B. Davidson contributes The Theology of the Old Testament, offering firsthand access to the arguments, methods, and assumptions that shaped this period of study. Gustav Oehler contributes Theology of the Old Testament, offering firsthand access to the arguments, methods, and assumptions that shaped this period of study.
What You Will Study
Students exegete the Pentateuch with attention to creation, fall, flood, Abrahamic covenant, Exodus redemption, Sinai law, tabernacle worship, and Deuteronomistic covenant renewal as foundation of biblical theology. The course employs Hebrew language skills where applicable and Reformed hermeneutical method emphasizing Moses's authorship, historical reliability, and Christological fulfillment without allegorical excess. Readings include Genesis through Deuteronomy with commentaries from Calvin, Currid, and modern Reformed scholars. Students analyze covenant structure, sacrificial typology, and prophetic promise embedded in Torah narrative and legislation. Weekly exegesis papers treat assigned passages demonstrating grammatical observation, canonical context, and Christ-centered application suitable for preaching in house church settings.
Course Objectives
Objectives include exegeting representative Pentateuchal passages with grammatical and theological precision, explaining covenant theology's roots in Abrahamic and Mosaic administrations, defending Mosaic authorship and historical trustworthiness against critical theories, and preaching Christ from Law without antinomian or legalistic distortion. Students will compare Old Testament sacrificial system with New Testament fulfillment in Christ's priesthood. The course cultivates ability to teach Genesis through Deuteronomy as Christian Scripture. Students will articulate Sabbath, Passover, and tabernacle theology for contemporary worship reflection. Assessments include exegesis papers, exams on Pentateuch content, and sermon outlines on assigned Torah texts.
Ministry & Life Application
Pentateuchal exegesis grounds all subsequent biblical theology in God's creational purpose, covenant faithfulness, and law written on hearts under the new covenant. Pastors who master Torah preach creation, sin, and redemption with canonical depth rather than New Testament isolationism. House church Bible studies across the Florida Keys gain leaders who can teach Genesis and Exodus as gospel narrative pointing to Christ. Pastoral ministry is enriched by understanding how Mosaic worship patterns inform Reformed sacramental theology and Lord's Day observance. Congregations discover Christ in Moses's writings as Jesus himself declared to be the church's joy and assurance.