Unraveling the origins of the Pentateuch through careful textual and linguistic analysis
This scholarly work asks how the first five books were formed and how ancient writers used names for God. It weighs a range of theories about writing, revelation, and the long history behind the biblical text. Readers will encounter careful argument, historical context, and clear discussion of how scholars read ancient Hebrew writing.
From debates about when the law was written to the use of divine names in early texts, this edition lays out the evidence and the reasoning behind major positions. It shows how authorship, chronology, and language shape our understanding of the Pentateuch.
- Clear explanations of key terms and competing hypotheses about the document’s origins
- Discussion of how the names Jehovah and Elohim are used across biblical books
- Analysis of writing practices and the role of scribal tradition in shaping the text
- Assessment of critical arguments and how scholars test their assumptions
Ideal for readers of biblical scholarship, theology, and the history of ancient writing.