Numbers BRI

B.R.I—Numbers

1.    Identify what Author, wrote for which Original Readers, and When

a.    Author/Compiler of Numbers

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    Exodus 24:4- ‘And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.’

2.    Numbers 31:21- Eleazar the priest said...”This is the statute of the law that the Lord commanded to Moses...”’

3.    Numbers 33:2- ‘Moses wrote down...’

4.    Deuteronomy 31:9- ‘Then Moses wrote down the law...’

                                                         ii.    External

1.    Comments in in other places in the Bible appear to support the traditional view that Moses wrote Numbers. (Zondervan’s)

2.    ‘Much of the material was from Moses...indicates numerous times that Moses received instructions from God. It does not normally indicate whether Moses recorded these instructions in writing.’ (ISBE)

3.    Moses may have had someone else write it. (ISBE)

4.    Both Aaron and Eleazar received revelation from God, so it is possible that they could have written it. (ISBE)

                                                        iii.    Conclusion

I believe the Moses wrote Numbers, because there are so many places in the Bible where it the Torah is referred to as’ Moses’ Teachings.’ Most people believe that it was written or compiled during the Exile, while others believe the more traditional view that Moses wrote it.
Moses was the only one with direct contact to God, with the exception of Aaron and his son, Eleazar, but Moses possibly would have been the only one with direct contact who had the knowledge to write.

b.    Written To-The Israelites

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    Exodus 34:27- ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Write these words; in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”’

2.    Leviticus 26:46- ‘These are the statutes and ordinances and laws that the Lord established between himself and the people of Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses

3.    Numbers 5:1- ‘The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “command the Israelites...”’

                                                         ii.    External

1.    In lecture it was implied that Numbers was written to the Israelites.

                                                        iii.    Conclusion

It is my opinion that the book of Numbers was written to the Israelites, so that the 2^nd generation would understand you the 1^st generation was not allowed to come into the Promised Land.

c.    Written/Compiled When/Where

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    When

a.    1 Kings 6:1- ‘In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt...’

2.    Where

a.    Numbers 1:1- ‘The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai...’

                                                         ii.    External

1.    When

a.    Late 15^th century, or early 13^th century BC. (Zondervan’s)

b.    1445 BC (Nelson’s)

2.    Where

a.    In the Desert of Zin. (Zondervan’s)

                                                        iii.    Conclusion

Since they were wandering for around 40 years in the desert it makes sense that the book of Numbers would have been written around 1445 BC in the wilderness of Zin, where they were wandering.

2.    Research the Background of the Author, Original Audience, and Readers

a.    Author’s Background

Moses was a ‘Hebrew prophet’ who was called by God to lead the Israelites out of 400 years of slavery in Egypt. He was born in Egypt, to Hebrew parents, but raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he fled to Midian, where he married the daughter of a Midianite priest, and where he was called by God.

b.    Original Audience’s Background

The OA, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were slave in Egypt for 400 years, after the death of Joseph, and the rise of a new Pharaoh. They wandered in the desert for 40 years. During this time, the first generation, which came out of Egypt, died and the second generation was given the Promised Land.

c.    Original Reader’s Background

The OR, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, wandered in the desert for 40 years. They were the generation after the generation that came out of Egypt. These were the people who entered the Promised Land.

3.    Reasons Written

a.    To teach the OR, the second generation, not to complain, even when you can’t see what God is doing right away.

b.    To teach the OR that both disobedience and obedience have consequences.

4.    Author’s Literary Tools

a.    Kind of Writing

                                                          i.    Prose

                                                         ii.    Poetry

1.    6:24-26

2.    10:35b-36

3.    14:18

4.    21:17-18

5.    21:27b-30

6.    23:7-10

7.    23:18-24

8.    24:3b-9

9.    24:15-24

b.    Type of Literature

                                                          i.    Narrative

                                                         ii.    Law

c.    Structure

                                                          i.    Topical

                                                         ii.    Biological

                                                        iii.    Chronological

                                                       iv.    Interchange

d.    Composition Tools

                                                          i.    Chiasm

                                                         ii.    Cycle

5.    Main Ideas

a.    The actions of the father carry over to the son.

b.    Complaining gets the OA nowhere.

6.    Final Book Overview

a.    Reason Written Summary

                                                          i.    To teach the OR that both disobedience and obedience have consequences

b.    Main Idea Summary

                                                          i.    The actions of the father carry over to the son.

Leviticus BRI

B.R.I—Leviticus

1.    Identify what Author, wrote for which Original Readers, and When

a.    Author/Compiler of Leviticus-Moses

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    Leviticus 26:46- ‘These are the statutes and ordinances and laws that the Lord established between himself and the people of Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses.’

                                                        ii.    External

1.    The traditional view is that the book of Leviticus was written by Moses, since it would have been written around the same time as Genesis and Exodus. ( ISBE)

2.    The authorship of Leviticus is widely argued. Some say that Moses wrote it, but others insist that it was compiled by some unknown person. (Nelson’s)

                                                       iii.    Conclusion

In my opinion, the book of Leviticus was written by Moses, since I believe that both Genesis and Exodus, which were written to the same people and around the same time period, were written by Moses. Although it is widely argued, I think that the idea of it being written or compiled by a different person at a later date is ridiculous. The laws in Leviticus could only be commanded by God, leading me to the conclusion that, since at the time Moses was the only one with direct contact with God, that Moses had to have written Leviticus.

b.    Written To-The Israelites

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    Leviticus 26:46- ‘These are the statutes and ordinances and laws that the Lord established between himself and the people of Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses.’

                                                        ii.    External

1.    According to Nelson’s New Bible Dictionary, Leviticus was written to the Israelites, as an instructional book.

                                                       iii.    Conclusion

In my opinion, Leviticus was written to the Israelites, since I believe that Genesis and Exodus were also written to the Israelites. Because they were coming out of Egypt, which had a monotheistic religion and going into Canaan, which also had a monotheistic religion, they would have needed to have laws keeping them from following along with the Canaanites disgusting religious ceremonies and practices.

c.    Written/Compiled When/Where

                                                          i.    Internal

1.    1 King’s 6:1- ‘In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt...’ (when)

2.    Leviticus 26:46- ‘These are the statutes and ordinances and laws that the Lord established between himself and the people of Israel on Mount Sinai through Moses.’ (where)

                                                        ii.    External

1.    Nelson’s New Bible Dictionary states that Leviticus was written around 1400 BC.

2.    Nelson’s New Bible Dictionary states that Leviticus was written in the wilderness of Sinai.

                                                       iii.    Conclusion

Because I believe that Genesis and Exodus were written around 1446 BC in the wilderness of Sinai and on Mount Sinai, I am of the opinion that Leviticus was also written around the same time and place. The Israelites would have needed to know the Leviticus laws before entering into the land of Canaan, to be able to keep from turning to the pagan gods of Canaan.

2.    Research the Background of the Author, Original Audience, and Readers

a.    Author’s Background

Moses was a ‘Hebrew prophet’ who was called by God to lead the Israelites out of 400 years of slavery in Egypt. He was born in Egypt, to Hebrew parents, but raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he fled to Midian, where he married the daughter of a Midianite priest, and where he was called by God.

b.    Original Audience’s Background

The OA, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were slave in Egypt for 400 years, after the death of Joseph, and the rise of a new Pharaoh.

c.    Original Reader’s Background

The OA, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were slave in Egypt for 400 years, after the death of Joseph, and the rise of a new Pharaoh. They were delivered out of slavery by God, speaking through Moses.

3.    Reasons Written

a.    God wanted the OR to know that he set them apart from the other nations.

b.    God wanted the OR to know that without him, there is absolute chaos.

4.    Author’s Literary Tools

a.    Kind of Writing

                                                          i.    Prose

                                                         ii.    Poetry

1.    10:3

b.    Type of Literature

                                                          i.    Law

c.    Structure

                                                          i.    Topical

d.    Composition Tools

                                                          i.    Chiasm

                                                         ii.    Climax

5.    Main Ideas

a.    God is holy; therefore the Israelites must be holy.

b.    God is the one, true God, who only requires obedience, not horrific rituals, or crazy sacrifices

6.    Final Book Overview

a.    Reason Written Summary

                                                          i.    Without God, there is chaos.

b.    Main Idea Summary

                                                          i.    God has sanctified the Israelites.

Exodus BRI

B.R.I-Exodus

1.       Identify what Author wrote for which Original Readers, and When

a.       Author of the book—Moses

                                                               i.      Internal

1.       Exodus 17:14- ‘Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a reminder in a book...”’

2.       Exodus 34:27- ‘The Lord said to Moses: “Write these words...”’

                                                             ii.      External

1.       Jewish tradition gives authorship to Moses. (Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Encyclopedia)

2.       DK Kim said that Moses wrote the book of Exodus. (lecture)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

Both internal and external evidence lead me to believe that the book of Exodus was written by Moses, from firsthand experiences, stories told to him by the Israelites, and commands from God. He would have written it because the Original reader would have needed to be reminded of the promises God fulfilled, and the signs and wonders he gave them.

b.      Written To—Israelites

                                                               i.      Internal

1.       Exodus 34:27- ‘The Lord dais to Moses: “Write these words; in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and Israel.”’

                                                             ii.      External

1.       DK Kim implied that the book of Exodus was written to the Israelites. (lecture)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

It is my opinion that the book of Exodus was written to the Israelites, since they would need to know their history, and to be reminded of the promises that god had given to their ancestors that had been fulfilled and of the new promise he gave them.

c.       When—1446 BC or 1270 BC

                                                               i.      Internal

1.       1 Kings 6:1- ‘In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt...’

                                                             ii.      External

1.       DK Kim said that the book of Exodus was written around 1446 BC. (lecture)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

I believe that the book of Exodus was written around 1446 BC, simply because it seemed to be the most likely choice. No one can actually be sure when Exodus was written, but many believe it to be in the middle 15^th century BC.

2.       Research the background of Author, Original Audience and Readers

a.       Author’s Background

Moses was born in Egypt to Hebrew parents (Exodus 2:2). Because of the fear of the Israelites that Pharaoh had, he ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed (Exodus 1:16), but Moses’ mother saved him by placing him in a basket in the river Nile (Exodus 2:3). Pharaoh’s daughter adopted and raised him as an Egyptian (Exodus 2:5-10). He killed an Egyptian taskmaster and fled to Midian, fearing punishment from Pharaoh. He married Zipporah, the daughter of a Midianite priest, Jethro (also known as Reuel) (Exodus 3). God commanded him to speak to Pharaoh, to tell him to the Israelites go free.

b.      Original Audience’s Background

The OA, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were slaves in Egypt for 400 years, after the death of Joseph, and the rise of a new Pharaoh.

c.       Original Reader’s Background

The OR, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were slaves in Egypt for 400 years, after the death of Joseph, and the rise of a new Pharaoh. They were delivered out of slavery by God, speaking through Moses.

3.       Reason Written

a.       To show the OR that God is always faithful.

b.      To show the OR that God will always provide for his children

c.       To further free the OR of their slavery mindset.

4.       Author’s Literary Tools

a.       Kind of Writing

                                                               i.      Prose

                                                             ii.      Poetry

1.       15:1-19

2.       15:21

3.       32:18

4.       34:67

b.      Type of Literature

                                                               i.      Narrative

c.       Structure

                                                               i.      Biographical

d.      Composition Tools

                                                               i.      Chiasm

                                                             ii.      Cycles

                                                            iii.      Climax

5.       Main Ideas

a.       God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt

b.      God want to be with his children

c.       God is above even Pharaoh

6.       Final Overview

a.       Reason Written Summary

                                                               i.      God is always faithful

b.      Main Idea Summary

                                                               i.      God fulfills his promises to the Israelites

Genesis BRI

B.R.I-Genesis

1.     Critical Method

a.       Author of Genesis-Moses

                                                               i.      Internal Evidence

1.       Exodus 24:4- ‘And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.’

2.       Exodus 34:27- ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Write these words...”’

3.       Deuteronomy 31:9- ‘Then Moses wrote down the law...’

                                                             ii.      External Evidence

1.       Jewish and some early Christian traditions state that Moses did, in fact, write the book of Genesis. (Illustrated Standard Bible Dictionary)

2.       Because Moses was not present during the events of Genesis, many people believe that Moses received direct revelation from God. (New Bible Dictionary)

3.       Cliff Davis says, ‘Moses wrote Genesis.’ (lecture)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

My own opinion is that Moses wrote the book of Genesis. At the time it was written, Moses would have been one of the few, if not the only one of the Israelites who had the ability to read and write (a result of his Egyptian education*). He most likely wrote down revelations from God, along with stories orally passed down through familes.*                     *NBD

b.      Written When

                                                               i.      Internal Evidence

1.       1 Kings 6:1- ‘In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt...’

2.       Exodus 24:4- ‘And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord.’

                                                             ii.      External Evidence

1.       1446-1406 BC (Cliff Davis, lecture)

2.       1290-1150 BC (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

1.       My opinion is that the book of Genesis was written around 1446-1406 BC. It seemed to be the most likely choice. But no one is actually sure when it was written, although the oldest piece of biblical manuscript dates back to the 3^rd century BC.*                    *Cliff Davis, lecture

c.       Original Reader-Israel

                                                               i.      Internal Evidence

1.       Genesis 15:13- ‘Then the Lord said, “Know this for certain, that your offspring shall be aliens...slaves, and they shall be oppressed for four hundred years...”’

2.       Exodus 34:27- ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Write these words...”’

                                                             ii.      External Evidence

1.       Cliff Davis says, “Genesis is written to the Israelites.” (lecture)

                                                            iii.      Conclusion

My opinion is that the book of Genesis was written for the Israelites, simply because of their loss of identity. After 400 years as slaves, they would have believed that that’s all they were. Slaves. God wanted them to know that they were special, a great nation.

2.       Historical Method

a.       Setting of the Original Audience

                                                               i.      God has just delivered the Israelites from Egypt, and is freeing them from the ‘slavery mindset.’

                                                             ii.      God used Moses to relay his words to the Israelites. (Exodus 24:4)

                                                            iii.      The surrounding nations were Egypt, from which they had come from, and Canaan, the land of their ancestor, Abraham, and the Promised Land. (Genesis 13:12)

3.       Literary Method

a.       Kinds of Literature

                                                               i.      Poetry

                                    1:27, 4:23-24, 8:22, 9:22, 9:25-27. 14: 19-20, 16:11-12, 24:60, 25:23, 27:27-29, 27:39-40, 48:15-16, 48:20, 49

                                                             ii.      Prose

b.      Types of Literature

                                                               i.      Narrative

4.       Survey Method

a.       Main Idea

                                                               i.      To tell the origin of the people

                                                             ii.      God’s redemptive plan for mankind

b.      Reason Written

                                                               i.      To free the Israelites of the ‘slavery mindset.’

I'm Back

Hey guys,

Sorry I've been gone for so long. Actually, it's probably only been three weeks. I don't think that I'll be able to blog twice a week. When you're in a class room every morning for lecture, then spend pretty much the rest of your day doing homework, you don't really have the time.

Anyway, I will be posting my Basic Required Information (BRIs) for all of the books of the Bible. I will be posting them in the order that I wrote them. It's just info on the book, like when it was written, to whom and by whom, etc. They're really useful for inductive Bible study.