The first five books of the Bible—Genesis through Deuteronomy—form the backbone of Scripture. Without the Pentateuch, the rest of the Old Testament loses its shape, and the New Testament’s message becomes hard to follow. These books introduce us to Abraham, Moses, the Exodus, the covenant, and God’s first interactions with humanity—stories and themes that echo throughout the entire Bible.

The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch is a comprehensive guide to these foundational texts. It explores major themes like creation, covenant, law, and wilderness journey, while also tackling deeper questions about history, authorship, and interpretation. From scholarly debates over the documentary hypothesis to literary readings of the text, this volume covers a wide range of perspectives.

Edited by T. Desmond Alexander and David W. Baker, this resource features contributions from experts around the world and offers both high-level overviews and detailed analysis. Whether you’re studying the patriarchs, the structure of biblical law, or the narrative flow of these books, this dictionary helps make sense of the Pentateuch’s lasting significance.

Part of IVP’s Old Testament Dictionary Series, it’s a solid starting point for anyone wanting to explore the text that sets the stage for the whole biblical story.