A-Z: General definitions: Pentateuch

A 'testament' is a covenant or binding agreement and is a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people). The sacred writings of Judaism (the Hebrew Bible). These also form the first part of the Christian Bible.

The Creation; Fall of humankind and universal or original sin; Noah and the Flood; the call of Abraham (start of salvation history), followed by the stories of the other patriarchs, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

Big ideas: Creation; Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Noah and the Flood; Patriarchs

Famous stories from the Bible: Adam and Eve / Creation; Noah's Ark; Abraham

Birth and call of Moses; Passover and deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt; giving of the law including the Ten Commandments at Sinai; God takes Israel as his covenant people; beginning of 40 years wandering in the wilderness; setting up of the Tabernacle.

Big ideas: Journey of faith, Exodus, pilgrimage; Moses; Ten Commandments

Famous stories from the Bible: The Ten Commandments given to Moses

Establishment of Aaronic priesthood and practice (cult) of animal sacrifice; detailed laws governing cultic purity, food laws, various animal sacrifices dealing with sin and transgression.

Big ideas: Sin

Israel in the desert; consecration of Levites for service in the Tabernacle (symbolising God's presence); further rulings, eg. keeping of Passover; God's guidance by pillars of cloud and fire; challenges to Moses' leadership; appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor.

Big ideas: Passover

Restatement and reaffirmation of the Sinai covenant on the eve of the Israelites' entry into Canaan, the Promised Land, in the form of addresses by Moses to the Israelites (note especially the series of blessings and curses in ch. 27-30).

Big ideas: Promised Land; Ten Commandments