The Pentateuch


The IBR Pentateuch Research Group is in the process of a three-year research plan that examines the character of God in the Pentateuch through three different methodological emphases. This year, we will examine the character of God in Pentateuchal texts in their literary contexts via literary and compositional analysis. Abstract submissions should propose to closely examine a text’s literary features and surroundings to determine its communicative or persuasive effect as it relates to the character of God. For example, one might argue for a particular portrayal of God’s character in the violent events of Israel’s Baal Peor idolatry in Numbers 25 in relation to the preceding Balaam oracles in Numbers 22-24. This is an open call for papers. The paper proposal deadline is March 4th, 2026 and abstracts may be sent to: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].

Friday, November 20

1:00–3:00 PM

Presiding: Quonekuia Day

Michael B. Shepherd (Cedarville University): “God's Primary Motive for Action in Exodus 32 and Deuteronomy 9” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Thomas W. Hudgins (Liberty University): “The Seen and Unseen God: Divine Presence and Visibility in the Sinai Narrative” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Anna Rask Emison (Assistant Professor of Old Testament at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul): "From Testing to Discipline: The Literary Portrayal of YHWH’s Character in Exodus 16 and Numbers 11:4–34" (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Yohanan Stanfield (The Tsur Institute of Biblical Research): “'Ascribe Greatness to our God': The Character of God in the Song Ha’azinu (Deut 32)" (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)

Tracey J. McKenzie (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary): “Paint by Numbers: Compositional Technique and God’s Great Lawmaker King” (20 minutes)

Discussion (5 minutes)