What do you think?
Rate this book
Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus: How the Torah Fulfills Its Goal in Yeshua
In “Reading Moses – Seeing Jesus”, we give our perspective as Jewish followers of Jesus to the following What is the purpose of the law? Why did God give the Torah in the first place? Did Messiah come to point us back to the law? Are we under the law? Should we follow Rabbinic traditions? What about our Hebraic Roots? Should we keep the Torah? How?
In this book, Dr. Seth Postell (Academic Dean with Israel College of the BIble) and Dr. Eitan Bar (Theologian, Evangelist-Apologetic) accompanied by Dr. Erez Soref, will deal with these questions.
In this book, Dr. Seth Postell (Academic Dean with Israel College of the BIble) and Dr. Eitan Bar (Theologian, Evangelist-Apologetic) accompanied by Dr. Erez Soref, will deal with these questions.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2022
113 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 2, 2025
Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus offers a compelling perspective on the Torah from a Messianic Jewish standpoint. The authors, drawing from at least a decade of academic research, present a well-structured and accessible study for everyone but particularly aimed at a Jewish audience. Their central thesis is that the Torah ultimately points to Messiah Yeshua, aligning with Jesus’ claim in John 5:46. Without imposing the New Testament on their readers, the authors seek to demonstrate from within the Torah itself how its narrative, themes, and purpose anticipate the Messiah.
The book highlights the Torah’s overarching structure and its inherent theological message. While acknowledging the presence of only a handful of explicit Messianic prophecies in the Torah (Gen. 3:15; 49:8-12; Num. 24:7-9, 17-19; Deut. 18:15), the authors argue that its broader narrative structure provides a deeper Messianic framework. They emphasize the Torah’s inability to bring ultimate obedience and redemption, drawing on the parallelism between the beginning of the Thora (Gen. 1-11) and the end of the Torah (Deut. 29-34). Just as Adam failed to keep one commandment and went into exile, so Israel will fail to keep the 613 mitswot and go into exile. The history of Adam repeats itself in Israel, just as Moses foresaw. According to Postell, Bar, and Soref, Moses foresaw Israel’s disobedience and subsequent exile, underscoring that the Torah was not given as an end in itself but as a guide leading beyond itself—toward the Messiah.
A key argument in the book is that the Law was never intended to be a permanent or sufficient goal in itself. The authors explore the Torah’s structure in six major sections: (1) Primeval History (Gen. 1-11); (2) The Patriarchal Narratives (Gen. 12-50); (3) The Exodus (Ex. 1:1-15:21); (4) The Wilderness Journeys to (Ex. 15:22-18:27) and from Sinai (Num. 10:11-36:12); (5) The Sinai Narrative (Ex. 19 – Num. 10:10); and (6) Moses’ Exposition of the Torah in Moab (Deut. 1-34). They make insightful observations regarding parallel themes, particularly in how Israel’s journey to and from Sinai mirrors each other, yet the consequences of disobedience drastically shift after the giving of the Law. Before Sinai, complaints and disobedience largely go unpunished; after the Law is given, transgressions result in severe judgment (e.g., Num. 11:33).
A significant takeaway from the book is the claim that the goal of the Torah is not obedience to the Law, but the promise of restoration through the Messiah. The authors explore the Torah’s references to the “last days” (Gen. 49:1; Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30; 31:29), emphasizing that Moses’ expectation was not Israel’s success under the Law but the eventual coming of a Messiah in the last days.
The latter chapters (9-12) transition from an exegetical reading of the Torah to discussions on the role of the Law today, particularly in the context of the Messianic Jewish community. The book argues that, without a functioning priesthood, Temple, or sacrificial system, it is impossible for Israel to fully observe the Mosaic Law. The authors explain how they see the Law and how they as Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua relate to Jewish traditions. They note that a Jewish follower of Yeshua does not become “more Jewish” by adhering to Jewish law and traditions—just as a Chinese person does not become more Chinese by eating Chinese food. However, certain traditions such as the feasts are needed to make Yeshua more tangible and comprehensible to their fellow Jews.
Overall, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a highly insightful yet concise work. The first eight chapters are particularly strong, offering fresh perspectives on the Torah and its focus not on obedience to the Law but hope for the Messiah. The book effectively bridges scholarly insights with accessibility, making it a valuable resource for a general audience. The parallels between Adam and Israel, the narrative approach, and the focus on the "last days" are the aspects I appreciate most about the book; they are insightful and presented with remarkable clarity. Besides the content, I really appreciate the concise form in which the authors manage to get their point across.
However, from an academic perspective, the book has some limitations. It largely omits discussions on the historical development of the Torah and its source-critical composition. While this omission aligns with the authors’ theological intent (i.e. writing for a broad audience), a methodological justification for their approach would strengthen their argument, particularly for theologically trained (Jewish) readers. Additionally, while the book’s discussion of the Law’s contemporary relevance is important, the final chapters (9-12) feel less compelling compared to the rich exegesis of the earlier sections.
Despite minor critiques, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus succeeds in its goal of presenting a Messianic reading of the Torah in a clear and accessible manner for a general audience. It offers valuable insights into the narrative and theological dimensions of the Torah, making it a recommended read for anyone interested in understanding the Messianic perspective on the Pentateuch. For those wishing to explore these themes further, The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H. Sailhamer serves as an excellent complementary resource for in-depth Bible study of the Pentateuch. Even if you remain unconvinced by the authors' arguments, this book will challenge you to explore the Torah with renewed curiosity and insight!
The book highlights the Torah’s overarching structure and its inherent theological message. While acknowledging the presence of only a handful of explicit Messianic prophecies in the Torah (Gen. 3:15; 49:8-12; Num. 24:7-9, 17-19; Deut. 18:15), the authors argue that its broader narrative structure provides a deeper Messianic framework. They emphasize the Torah’s inability to bring ultimate obedience and redemption, drawing on the parallelism between the beginning of the Thora (Gen. 1-11) and the end of the Torah (Deut. 29-34). Just as Adam failed to keep one commandment and went into exile, so Israel will fail to keep the 613 mitswot and go into exile. The history of Adam repeats itself in Israel, just as Moses foresaw. According to Postell, Bar, and Soref, Moses foresaw Israel’s disobedience and subsequent exile, underscoring that the Torah was not given as an end in itself but as a guide leading beyond itself—toward the Messiah.
A key argument in the book is that the Law was never intended to be a permanent or sufficient goal in itself. The authors explore the Torah’s structure in six major sections: (1) Primeval History (Gen. 1-11); (2) The Patriarchal Narratives (Gen. 12-50); (3) The Exodus (Ex. 1:1-15:21); (4) The Wilderness Journeys to (Ex. 15:22-18:27) and from Sinai (Num. 10:11-36:12); (5) The Sinai Narrative (Ex. 19 – Num. 10:10); and (6) Moses’ Exposition of the Torah in Moab (Deut. 1-34). They make insightful observations regarding parallel themes, particularly in how Israel’s journey to and from Sinai mirrors each other, yet the consequences of disobedience drastically shift after the giving of the Law. Before Sinai, complaints and disobedience largely go unpunished; after the Law is given, transgressions result in severe judgment (e.g., Num. 11:33).
A significant takeaway from the book is the claim that the goal of the Torah is not obedience to the Law, but the promise of restoration through the Messiah. The authors explore the Torah’s references to the “last days” (Gen. 49:1; Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30; 31:29), emphasizing that Moses’ expectation was not Israel’s success under the Law but the eventual coming of a Messiah in the last days.
The latter chapters (9-12) transition from an exegetical reading of the Torah to discussions on the role of the Law today, particularly in the context of the Messianic Jewish community. The book argues that, without a functioning priesthood, Temple, or sacrificial system, it is impossible for Israel to fully observe the Mosaic Law. The authors explain how they see the Law and how they as Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua relate to Jewish traditions. They note that a Jewish follower of Yeshua does not become “more Jewish” by adhering to Jewish law and traditions—just as a Chinese person does not become more Chinese by eating Chinese food. However, certain traditions such as the feasts are needed to make Yeshua more tangible and comprehensible to their fellow Jews.
Overall, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus is a highly insightful yet concise work. The first eight chapters are particularly strong, offering fresh perspectives on the Torah and its focus not on obedience to the Law but hope for the Messiah. The book effectively bridges scholarly insights with accessibility, making it a valuable resource for a general audience. The parallels between Adam and Israel, the narrative approach, and the focus on the "last days" are the aspects I appreciate most about the book; they are insightful and presented with remarkable clarity. Besides the content, I really appreciate the concise form in which the authors manage to get their point across.
However, from an academic perspective, the book has some limitations. It largely omits discussions on the historical development of the Torah and its source-critical composition. While this omission aligns with the authors’ theological intent (i.e. writing for a broad audience), a methodological justification for their approach would strengthen their argument, particularly for theologically trained (Jewish) readers. Additionally, while the book’s discussion of the Law’s contemporary relevance is important, the final chapters (9-12) feel less compelling compared to the rich exegesis of the earlier sections.
Despite minor critiques, Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus succeeds in its goal of presenting a Messianic reading of the Torah in a clear and accessible manner for a general audience. It offers valuable insights into the narrative and theological dimensions of the Torah, making it a recommended read for anyone interested in understanding the Messianic perspective on the Pentateuch. For those wishing to explore these themes further, The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H. Sailhamer serves as an excellent complementary resource for in-depth Bible study of the Pentateuch. Even if you remain unconvinced by the authors' arguments, this book will challenge you to explore the Torah with renewed curiosity and insight!
January 8, 2025
Dear authors, when God directed me to your ministry, I came across your wonderful books. I decided to read this one first. I must say, you've put in well-researched content. I loved it for the knowledge of your culture it offered to me. Your fact checking is spot on. However, as an intuitive, I can add some stuff, especially to answer the authors' questions regarding a few issues. Firstly, God is the most-evolved soul and no soul has any gender. We all are a balance of masculine and feminine energies. So, it goes for God too, and so, we find the mention of both gender references for God. His holy spirit is feminine, as rightly mentioned in this book. It's also correct that the serpent refers to the devil. Then, the singular-plural seems no issue to me at all. The word of God applies to divine beings at all levels, and thus, it's mostly referring to a collective, existing as singulars at their respective levels or dimensions of the multiverse. Further, the conclusion is right that Adam was the son of God, like Yeshua was in another lifetime, and he'll also be back as the seed of the woman. Scriptures tell us that the First Adam is the Last Adam and the First Eve is the Last Eve. So, that's how it makes logical sense. Another issue has been sorted out well in your book, which is of the Oral Law. That's clearly human creation, because a revealed chosen prophet to be documenting God's every word is a cosmic law too. So, to keep my review short, this book can be quite enlightening to those who are seeking God during the end times. God loves each one of us and never forsakes or abandons his children. Don't trust what the devil says about him. God is good and God is always listening to you. Send him your prayers, repent from your heart, and seek his protection. He lives inside you...so don't waste your time looking for him outside. The apocalyptic clock is running...get saved by Yeshua!
June 14, 2023
I found this book fascinating. Written by a Messianic Jew, with the help of Jewish scholars, the author draws the conclusion that the Sinai Covenant, established through Moses, led to an everlasting covenant established through Jesus (Yeshua). The written law of the Sinai Covenant was given in full expectation that no human would be able to be justified by fulfilling it perfectly. So, as Jesus only fulfilled the entire law perfectly, through faith, we also gain His righteousness. Bar draws a series of well argued points to bring this all together.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to see how God bring perfect Grace through covenants established with the patriarchs of Israel.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to see how God bring perfect Grace through covenants established with the patriarchs of Israel.
September 12, 2023
Excelente. En este corto libro, el Dr. Seth Postell propone y explica cómo el propósito de la Torah (el Pentateuco) no es llevarnos a la ley, sino a través de la ley (prediciendo el fracaso de Israel en guardar el pacto) hasta la necesidad y expectativa de un nuevo pacto y el Mesías. El Dr. Postell se basa en las palabras de Jesús "si creyeran a Moisés me creerían a mí, porque de mí escribió él". Además, el autor explica otras formas de ver la ley, siendo la que más me gustó, la ley como sabiduría. ¡Recomendado!
March 6, 2023
Short but impactful!
What traditions do we hold to being gentile believers? I believe many. We must press forward towards Jesus everyday, He is our prize , it’s not how good we don’t do this or how we do this better but that we’re moving forward and looking forward to Jesus the Messiah-King.
What traditions do we hold to being gentile believers? I believe many. We must press forward towards Jesus everyday, He is our prize , it’s not how good we don’t do this or how we do this better but that we’re moving forward and looking forward to Jesus the Messiah-King.
Read
March 9, 2023Great book
This is a great book for every Christian to read. It fovers many different areas and explains why the Torah was primarily to lead Israel to the Messiah, and not to be the begin-all and end-all of Yahweh's dealings with mankind.
This is a great book for every Christian to read. It fovers many different areas and explains why the Torah was primarily to lead Israel to the Messiah, and not to be the begin-all and end-all of Yahweh's dealings with mankind.
March 11, 2023
Excellent
These writers have done an amazing job connecting the Torah to the Gospels & epistles. Wonderful explanation, clear, and faithful to Yeshua!! God bless them & you as you read this book!
These writers have done an amazing job connecting the Torah to the Gospels & epistles. Wonderful explanation, clear, and faithful to Yeshua!! God bless them & you as you read this book!
February 4, 2024
A Complex Interpretation of the Torah
An interesting introduction to the Torah from a Messianic perspective. I’m not sure that I understand their approach, but it was innovative and interesting.
An interesting introduction to the Torah from a Messianic perspective. I’m not sure that I understand their approach, but it was innovative and interesting.
December 23, 2023
Read this book as a requirement of the Pentateuch course I was taking from China Evangelical Seminary North America. It's a great little book tying what Moses had done in the Old Testament with Jesus in the New Testament. Highly recommend Jewish readers and anyone who is interested in knowing more about Jewish religion to read this book.
October 11, 2023
Strikingly compatible with A New Testament Biblical Theology by GK Beale, which I recently finished. However, there is a dissimilarity that shows up at points that touch on main themes of covenant theology: The covenant of works, maybe even the federal headship of Christ. The footnotes are excellent. This is a very pleasant book to read. Even where I disagreed with it it was not painful.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews