Status Updates From A Survey of the Old Testament

The important distinction is that the Old Testament is not simply a history of Israel. It is the history of God's unfolding plan of redemption through Israel.

The central theme of Deuteronomy is covenant faithfulness. As Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminds the people of Yahweh's past faithfulness, explains the covenant law, and calls Israel to respond with love and obedience.

The central theme of Numbers is Yahweh's faithfulness in contrast to Israel's repeated unfaithfulness. The book demonstrates how unbelief, rebellion, holiness, judgment, and divine mercy shape Israel's journey from Mount Sinai toward the Promised Land.

A Unifying Theme of Leviticus

The book repeatedly emphasizes:

“Be holy because I, Yahweh your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).

Everything in Leviticus—sacrifices, laws, priesthood, festivals, and penalties—serves that purpose: teaching God’s redeemed people how to live in the presence of a holy God.

Exodus presents Yahweh as the sovereign, holy, covenant-making God who redeems his people, dwells among them, and calls them to faithful obedience. Moses, the law, the covenant, the tabernacle, and even Pharaoh all serve to reveal God’s character and purposes.

The authors explain that scholars debate the exact route and the precise location of Mount Sinai. Traditional Christian identification places Sinai in the southern Sinai Peninsula near Jebel Musa, though alternative theories exist.