Many people are intrigued, yet baffled, by the first five books of the Bible. The mysterious stories and concepts - long life spans, winding family trees, a global flood, the burning bush, plagues of locusts - may at times seem outlandish, exaggerated, perhaps even impossible. Some may wonder how these accounts, along witht he meticulous rules and laws laid out by God, apply to our modern culture. Yet the combination of these fascinating stories and God's commandments forms the foundation of our world today. We are these plots and characters, in one form or another. Eugene Peterson takes you up close and personal with our history. In The Message: Old Testament Books of Moses, Peterson's contemporary rendition of The Pentateuch, you will experience firsthand the trials and tribulations of humankind. Delve into Genesis stories of Adam and Eve, Noah's ark, Abraham, and others for a view of God dealing with man's sinning and suffering. Follow the powerful drama of Exodus in which God worked through Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and oppression. Take a time-out from the stories and see how the instructions in Leviticus actually become banners of good news to us. Explore the book of Numbers to witness the challenges of growing up and getting along with each other as a community. And finally, join Moses in the book of Deuteronomy for his stirring, emotionally charged sermon complete with the formula for leading a holy life. Writen in the fiery, passionate language for which Eugene is known, The Message: Old Testament Books of Moses transforms ancient stories into a vivid portrait of our past - a past that affects the way we live today.
