Part 1 of this series discussed the reasons why many people dread reading the first five books of the Bible, and why others do not attempt it at all. The following are a few suggestions for how to read the Pentateuch and enjoy it:
1. Read larger portions (four chapters or more) in one sitting. A mistake many people make when they sit down to read Leviticus, for example, is that they read only several verses to one chapter at a time. It is no wonder that when a month later, they are still reading the same book, they feel as though they are drowning in it. I know because this is the way I used to read Leviticus. I felt like the instructions God was giving to the priests went on and on and on, I couldn’t sort it out, understand, or apply it. By reading larger sections at a time, you will begin to get the “big picture”. For instance, the purpose of reading Leviticus, for us, is not to memorize how many times the priest was to wave the shoulder of the slaughtered bullock, or how many times he was supposed to sprinkle the blood before the vail. Rather, the purpose is to show how seriously sin offends God, and how that sin must be punished. On a larger scale, it shows us how man is apart from God and that a Redeemer is necessary.
2. Visualize it. When you are reading the Pentateuch, do not detach yourself from it. Don’t think, “This was life at that time, it doesn’t have significance for me.” Rather, picture yourself being the priest, consider what his life was like. Consider yourself being one of the women who spun silk to adorn the tabernacle. Consider what life would be like for you in that day if you were a leper. Let the words come alive for you!
3. Balance your reading of the Pentateuch with other books. Sometimes, if I’ve just read a passage of the Pentateuch from which it was hard for me to derive a lesson, I’ll balance it with one of the Psalms. The Psalms and Proverbs are a great place to go for finding spiritual truths that are on the surface. If you honestly don’t have time to meditate and dig something out of Numbers, read a psalm before you close your Bible for the day.
I hope these suggestions will help you look forward to reading the Pentateuch, determined to enjoy it and learn from it.
Why Should I Read the Pentateuch? Part 1
Why Should I Have My Devotions in the Morning?