Categorization of First Testament Scripture Torah (Law)HistoryWisdom LiteratureProphetic Books Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Tobit Judith Esther 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs (Solomon) Wisdom (of Solomon) Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Baruch Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Law and History Texts First five books of the Bible/Torah (Pentateuch) outline the Law Law meaning “Something laid down, fixed” Historical texts Ancestry of the Hebrews

Law Centres around Covenant Basis of society Law points to highest values (constitution) Point to relationship with God Without laws, Canada would cease being a sovereign, democratic, capitalist, parliamentary- democracy. Laws, therefore, establish who and what we are.

God of the Covenant Covenant comes from Hebrew Berit (literally, to shackle) Different kinds of Covenants Friendship Contract Peace Treaty Marriage Treaty between Kings Lord and Vassal Above: Friendship Covenant Below: Master-Servant Covenant

Law of God Decalogue (Exod. 20) The Covenant Code (Exod ) Casuistic Laws (Case-by-case scenarios) Laws originating from rural economy (not nomadic) Deuteronomist Code (Deut ) Laws originating from urban monarchy Laws from king, how to conduct war, how to determine who is a real prophet The Holiness Code (Lev ) Laws for Priests Nothing symbolizes law better than the ravenous characters of Boston Legal

History Covered in First Testament Over 2000 years of history covered Extends as far back as 4000 BCE (time of Abraham) Formation of Israel Israel situated between main powers of the Middle East Constantly being conquered and re-conquered

God Intervenes in History Prophets Messiah Figures Nature

Atonement Sacrifice and ritualistic purification Innocent blood offered up Establishes right relationship with God Receive worldly blessings Shift in 6 th century BCE Development of afterlife

National Identity Zionism A light to the nations God physically present in the Temple