The Pentateuch or Torah consists of the first five books of the Bible and is a foundational scripture for millions of people, both Jews and Christians. This book addresses the need for a clear and accessible introductionfor those beginning Bible study. It presents and analyses key themes such as creation and flood, exodus and liberation, covenant and land, and law and faith. These are explored in their ancientcontext and from the standpoint of contemporaryconcerns such as liberation theology, gender issues and ecology.