Dating the Bible - Revision history

Beza 1598 at 08:50, 8 March 2016

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	{{DEFAULTSORT:Dating The Bible}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Dating The Bible}}
	[[Category:Biblical criticism]]		[[Category:Biblical criticism]]

			{{Donate}}

Nick at 16:29, 22 February 2016

2016-02-22T16:29:56Z

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	The '''[[Bible]]''' is a compilation of various texts or "[[books of the Bible\|books]]" of different ages.		The '''[[Bible]]''' is a compilation of various texts or "[[books of the Bible\|books]]" of different ages.

	~~The~~ dates of many of the texts of the [[Hebrew Bible]] (or Old Testament) are difficult to establish. Textual criticism places all of them within the [[1st millennium BC]], although there is considerable uncertainty as to the century in some cases. The oldest surviving [[Hebrew Bible manuscripts]] date to about the 2nd century BC ([[Tanakh at Qumran\|fragmentary]]), the oldest record of the complete text survives in [[Septuagint\|Greek translation]], dating to the 4th century ([[Codex Sinaiticus]]) and the oldest extant manuscripts of the vocalized [[Masoretic text]] upon which modern editions are based date to the 9th century.		While it is common for people to claim that the dates of many of the texts of the [[Hebrew Bible]] (or Old Testament) are difficult to establish, the bible is the most translated, copied, transmitted, and quoted text of any ancient document. Textual criticism places all of them within the [[1st millennium BC]], although some critics claim there is considerable uncertainty as to the century in some cases. The oldest surviving [[Hebrew Bible manuscripts]] date to about the 4th - 2nd century BC ([[Tanakh at Qumran\|fragmentary]]), the oldest record of the complete text survives in [[Septuagint\|Greek translation]], dating to the 4th century ([[Codex Sinaiticus]]) which is of dubious authenticity, and the oldest extant manuscripts of the vocalized [[Masoretic text]] upon which modern editions are based date to the 9th century.

	The individual books of the [[New Testament]] may be dated with some confidence to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The earliest fragment of the New Testament is the [[Rylands Library Papyrus P52]], a piece of the [[Gospel of John]] dated to the first half of the 2nd century. For this reason, dating the composition of the texts relies on [[textual criticism]], [[philological]] and linguistic evidence, as well as direct references to historical events in the texts instead of dating the physical manuscripts.		The individual books of the [[New Testament]] may be dated with some confidence to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The earliest fragment of the New Testament is the [[Rylands Library Papyrus P52]], a piece of the [[Gospel of John]] dated to the first half of the 2nd century. For this reason, dating the composition of the texts relies on [[textual criticism]], [[philological]] and linguistic evidence, as well as direct references to historical events in the texts instead of dating the physical manuscripts.
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	=== Oldest manuscripts ===		=== Oldest manuscripts ===
	The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in [[Numbers 6:24]]-[[Numbers 6:27\|27]], dated to approximately [[600 BC]] <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the ~~2nd~~ century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.		The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text resembles a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in [[Numbers 6:24]]-[[Numbers 6:27\|27]], dated to approximately [[600 BC]] <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.

	According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC - but this is debated and was most probably written the the 3rd century AD. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.		According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC - but this is debated and was most probably written the the 3rd century AD. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] (now suspected to be a fake) of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.

	''See Also [[Septuagint]]''		''See Also [[Septuagint]]''

	The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. 920 AD, and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to [[1008 AD]].		The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. [[920 AD]], and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to [[1008 AD]].

	Additional manuscripts include the [[Samaritan Torah]] and the [[Peshitta]], the latter a translation of the Christian Bible into [[Syriac]], the earliest known copy of which dates to the 2nd century AD.		Additional manuscripts include the [[Samaritan Torah]] and the [[Peshitta]], the latter a translation of the Christian Bible into [[Syriac]], the earliest known copy of which dates to the 2nd century AD.
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	== The New Testament ==		== The New Testament ==

	The most ~~accepted~~ historical understanding of how the [[Synoptic gospels]] developed is known as the [[two-source hypothesis]]. This theory holds that Mark is the [[Markan priority\|oldest gospel]].		The most popular historical understanding of how the [[Synoptic gospels]] developed amoung textual critics today is known as the [[two-source hypothesis]]. This theory holds that Mark is the [[Markan priority\|oldest gospel]].
	Matthew and Luke are believed to come later, and draw on Mark and also on a source that is now believed to be lost, called the [[Q document]], or just "Q".		Matthew and Luke are believed to come later, and draw on Mark and also on a source that is now believed to be lost, called the [[Q document]], or just "Q". This concept is mostly pushed by those who favor the critical text because Mark has been corrupted in in chapter 16 in texts like Sinaiticus, and thus the [[Markan priority]] concept seems to solidify the false claims that the reading is spurious.

	Traditional views assume that the bulk of New Testament texts date to the period between AD 45 and AD ~~100~~, with the [[Pauline epistles]] among the earliest texts. Other views may pre- or post-date the individual books by several decades. The earliest preserved fragment for each text is included as well.		Traditional views assume that the bulk of New Testament texts date to the period between AD 45 and AD 96, with the [[Pauline epistles]] among the earliest texts. Other views may pre- or post-date the individual books by several decades. The earliest preserved fragment for each text is included as well.

	{\| class="wikitable sortable"		{\| class="wikitable sortable"

Nick at 01:25, 31 October 2011

2011-10-31T01:25:30Z

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	=== Oldest manuscripts ===		=== Oldest manuscripts ===
	The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in ~~Num~~ 6:24~~–~~27, dated to approximately 600 BC <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.		The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in [[Numbers 6:24]]-[[Numbers 6:27\|27]], dated to approximately [[600 BC]] <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.

	According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC - but this is debated and was most probably written the the 3rd century AD. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.		According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC - but this is debated and was most probably written the the 3rd century AD. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.

Nick at 01:00, 4 February 2011

2011-02-04T01:00:18Z

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	The date of its composition was perhaps some time between [[561 BC]], the date of the last chapter (2 Kings 25), when [[Jehoiachin]] was released from captivity by [[Evil-merodach]], and 538 BC, the date of the decree of deliverance by [[Cyrus the Great]].		The date of its composition was perhaps some time between [[561 BC]], the date of the last chapter (2 Kings 25), when [[Jehoiachin]] was released from captivity by [[Evil-merodach]], and 538 BC, the date of the decree of deliverance by [[Cyrus the Great]].

	The [[Book of Isaiah]], in its present form, is by most scholars considered the result of an extensive editing process, in which the promises of God's salvation are reinterpreted and claimed for the Judean people through the history of their exile and return to the land of [[Kingdom of Judah\|Judah]]. Very few scholars dispute these conclusions and argue for multiple authors. When the [[Septuagint]] version was made (~~about~~ [[250 BC]]), the entire contents of the book were ascribed to Isaiah, the son of Amoz. In the time of Jesus, the book existed in its present form, with many prophecies in the disputed portions quoted in the [[New Testament]] as the words of Isaiah.		The [[Book of Isaiah]], in its present form, is by most scholars considered the result of an extensive editing process, in which the promises of God's salvation are reinterpreted and claimed for the Judean people through the history of their exile and return to the land of [[Kingdom of Judah\|Judah]]. Very few scholars dispute these conclusions and argue for multiple authors. When the [[Septuagint]] version was made (assumed by many to be [[250 BC]] but maost probably [[300 AD]]), the entire contents of the book were ascribed to Isaiah, the son of Amoz. In the time of Jesus, the book existed in its present form, with many prophecies in the disputed portions quoted in the [[New Testament]] as the words of Isaiah.
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-		\|-
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	The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in Num 6:24–27, dated to approximately 600 BC <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.		The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in Num 6:24–27, dated to approximately 600 BC <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.

	According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.		According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC - but this is debated and was most probably written the the 3rd century AD. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.

	The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. 920 AD, and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to 1008 AD.		''See Also [[Septuagint]]''

			The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. 920 AD, and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to [[1008 AD]].

	Additional manuscripts include the [[Samaritan Torah]] and the [[Peshitta]], the latter a translation of the Christian Bible into [[Syriac]], the earliest known copy of which dates to the 2nd century AD.		Additional manuscripts include the [[Samaritan Torah]] and the [[Peshitta]], the latter a translation of the Christian Bible into [[Syriac]], the earliest known copy of which dates to the 2nd century AD.

Nick at 11:36, 5 September 2009

2009-09-05T11:36:26Z

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	:And [[Hilkiah]] the high priest said unto [[Shaphan]] the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. ([[2 Kings 22:8]] [[KJV]])		:And [[Hilkiah]] the high priest said unto [[Shaphan]] the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. ([[2 Kings 22:8]] [[KJV]])

	Under [[Josiah]]'s rule there would then for the first time have been a unified and state of Judah, centralized around the worship of Yahweh based at the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], with texts portraying King Josiah as the legitimate successor to the legendary David and thus the rightful ruler of Judah. According to this interpretation, neighboring countries that kept many written records, such as [[Egypt]], [[Persian Empire\|Persia]], etc., have no writings about the stories of the Bible or its main characters before 650 BC, and the archaeological record of pre-Josiac Israel does not support the existence of a unified state in the time of David.<~~ref~~>Such claims are detailed in ''Who Were the Early Israelites?'' by [[William G. Dever]] (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2003). Another such book is ''The Bible Unearthed'' by [[Neil A. Silberman]] and [~~[Israel Finkelstein]~~] ~~(Simon and Schuster, New York, 2001).~~</~~ref~~> However, this view is challenged by references to the "House of David" and Davidic Kings of Israel in 9th century BC inscriptions. <~~ref~~>~~"'David' Found at Dan," ''Biblical Archaeology Review'', March-April 1994~~</~~ref~~>		Under [[Josiah]]'s rule there would then for the first time have been a unified and state of Judah, centralized around the worship of Yahweh based at the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], with texts portraying King Josiah as the legitimate successor to the legendary David and thus the rightful ruler of Judah. According to this interpretation, neighboring countries that kept many written records, such as [[Egypt]], [[Persian Empire\|Persia]], etc., have no writings about the stories of the Bible or its main characters before 650 BC, and the archaeological record of pre-Josiac Israel does not support the existence of a unified state in the time of David.<sup>[1]</sup> However, this view is challenged by references to the "House of David" and Davidic Kings of Israel in 9th century BC inscriptions. <sup>[2]</sup>

	A traditional strain of scholarship would assign portions of the Pentateuch (generally, the [[Jahwist\|J]] author) to the period of the [[United Monarchy]] in the 10th century BC, would date Deuteronomy and the [[Deuteronomic history]] to the time of King Josiah, and that the final form of the Torah was due to a redactor in exilic or postexilic times (6th century BC). This view is based on the account of the finding of the "book of law" in [[2 Kings 22:8]], which would correspond to the core of Deuteronomy, and the remaining parts of the Torah would have been composed to supply a background from traditional accounts to the rediscovered text.		A traditional strain of scholarship would assign portions of the Pentateuch (generally, the [[Jahwist\|J]] author) to the period of the [[United Monarchy]] in the 10th century BC, would date Deuteronomy and the [[Deuteronomic history]] to the time of King Josiah, and that the final form of the Torah was due to a redactor in exilic or postexilic times (6th century BC). This view is based on the account of the finding of the "book of law" in [[2 Kings 22:8]], which would correspond to the core of Deuteronomy, and the remaining parts of the Torah would have been composed to supply a background from traditional accounts to the rediscovered text.
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	=== Oldest manuscripts ===		=== Oldest manuscripts ===
	The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in Num 6:24–27, dated to approximately 600 BC <~~ref~~>[~~[James H. Charlesworth]~~]~~, ''Archaeology, Jesus and Christian Faith.'' p.14~~</~~ref~~> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.		The oldest known preserved fragment of a Torah text is a good luck charm inscribed with a text close to, although not identical with, the [[Priestly Blessing]] found in Num 6:24–27, dated to approximately 600 BC <sup>[3]</sup> The oldest complete or nearly complete texts are found in the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] from the middle of the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The collections contain all the books of the Tanakh except for the [[Book of Esther]], although not all are complete.

	According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or LXX, from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC.<~~ref~~>~~Josephus, Flavius, ''Antiquities of the Jews'', 12.2.11-15; Whiston, William; ''The Complete Works of Josephus''; Hendrickson Publishers, (Nashville, Tennessee, 1987);~~ [~~[ISBN 0-913573-86-8]~~]</~~ref~~> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<~~ref~~>~~Rahlfs nos. 801, 819, and 957~~</~~ref~~> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<~~ref~~>~~Rahlfs nos. 802, 803, 805, 848, 942, and 943~~</~~ref~~> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.		According to tradition the Torah was translated into Greek (the [[Septuagint]], or [[LXX]], from the traditional number of translators) in the 3rd century BC. <sup>[4]</sup> The oldest Greek manuscripts include 2nd century BC fragments of [[Leviticus]] and [[Deuteronomy]]<sup>[5]</sup> and 1st century BC fragments of Genesis, [[Book of Exodus\|Exodus]], Leviticus, [[Book of Numbers\|Numbers]], Deuteronomy, and the [[Minor prophet\|Minor Prophets]].<sup>[6]</sup> Relatively complete manuscripts of the Septuagint include the [[Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1209]] and the [[Codex Sinaiticus]] of the 4th century and the [[Codex Alexandrinus]] of the 5th century—these are the oldest surviving nearly-complete manuscripts of the Old Testament in any language.

	The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. 920 AD, and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to 1008 AD.		The [[Hebrew]] or [[Masoretic text]] of the Torah is held by tradition to have been assembled in the 4th century AD, but the oldest extant complete or near-complete manuscripts are the [[Aleppo Codex]], ca. 920 AD, and the [[Westminster Leningrad Codex]], dated to 1008 AD.
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	== The Gnostic Scriptures ==		== The Gnostic Scriptures ==

	The [[Nag Hammadi library]], a collection of books found in 1945, some refer to as [[Gnostic]] Scriptures (which include the [[Gospel of Thomas]]), were not accepted as canonical by the orthodox early Christian communities. They were written in [[Coptic language\|Coptic]] and are generally dated to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, though the Gospel of Thomas has ignited some debate. The majority of New Testament scholars and historians place composition no earlier than the 2nd century<~~ref~~>~~Bart D. Ehrman, ''Lost Christianities'' p. xii~~</~~ref~~> whereas a minority argue dates as early as the 60's.		The [[Nag Hammadi library]], a collection of books found in 1945, some refer to as [[Gnostic]] Scriptures (which include the [[Gospel of Thomas]]), were not accepted as canonical by the orthodox early Christian communities. They were written in [[Coptic language\|Coptic]] and are generally dated to the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, though the Gospel of Thomas has ignited some debate. The majority of New Testament scholars and historians place composition no earlier than the 2nd century<sup>[7]</sup> whereas a minority argue dates as early as the 60's.

	==See also==		==See also==

Nick at 11:31, 5 September 2009

2009-09-05T11:31:19Z

Nick: /* Notes */

2009-09-05T11:27:40Z

Notes

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	==Notes==		==Notes==
			* 1. Such claims are detailed in Who Were the Early Israelites? by William G. Dever (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2003). Another such book is The Bible Unearthed by Neil A. Silberman and Israel Finkelstein (Simon and Schuster, New York, 2001).
			* 2. "'David' Found at Dan," Biblical Archaeology Review, March-April 1994
			* 3. James H. Charlesworth, Archaeology, Jesus and Christian Faith. p.14
			* 4. Josephus, Flavius, Antiquities of the Jews, 12.2.11-15; Whiston, William; The Complete Works of Josephus; Hendrickson Publishers, (Nashville, Tennessee, 1987); ISBN 0-913573-86-8
			* 5. Rahlfs nos. 801, 819, and 957
			* 6. Rahlfs nos. 802, 803, 805, 848, 942, and 943
			* 7. Bart D. Ehrman, Lost Christianities p. xii

	== Further reading==		== Further reading==

Nick at 11:25, 5 September 2009

2009-09-05T11:25:55Z

Show changes

Nick: Protected "Dating the Bible" [edit=autoconfirmed:move=autoconfirmed]

2009-08-19T17:27:23Z

Protected "Dating the Bible" [edit=autoconfirmed:move=autoconfirmed]

← Older revision	Revision as of 17:27, 19 August 2009
(No difference)

Nick at 17:27, 19 August 2009

2009-08-19T17:27:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 19 August 2009
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	~~SlXTm3 <a href="~~http://~~sturregekotq~~.~~com/">sturregekotq</a>, [url=http://sbibvmyrvezo.com/]sbibvmyrvezo[/url], [link=http://xzjusqwfmbfx~~.~~com/]xzjusqwfmbfx[/link], http://yzrghqixrwtv~~.~~com/~~		http://www.bible.net.au

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	===Torah===		===Torah===
	Some groups, e.g. the Orthodox Jewish community, adhere to the chronology given in the Hebrew Bible, which states the Children of Israel came out Egypt 480 years before King Solomon began construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, placing the date of the Exodus in 1446 BC. Meaning the Torah was written between 1446 BC and 1406 BC.		Some groups, e.g. the Orthodox Jewish community, adhere to the chronology given in the Hebrew Bible, which states the Children of Israel came out Egypt 480 years before King Solomon began construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, placing the date of the Exodus in [[1446 BC]]. Meaning the Torah was written between [[1446 BC]] and [[1406 BC]].

	Some critical scholars (the '[[Biblical Minimalists]]"), however, insist that the whole of the [[Torah]] shows evidence of its construction composed after 538 BC, perhaps with material from an earlier oral tradition, as it were, a "[[prequel]]" to the [[Nevi'im\|prophetic books]].		Some critical scholars (the '[[Biblical Minimalists]]"), however, insist that the whole of the [[Torah]] shows evidence of its construction composed after [[538 BC]], perhaps with material from an earlier oral tradition, as it were, a "[[prequel]]" to the [[Nevi'im\|prophetic books]].

	Others, such as archeologist [[Israel Finkelstein]], tend to suggest that a substantial portion of the Pentateuch is a 7th century BC construction, designed to promote the dynastic ambitions of King [[Josiah]] of Judah. The 6th century BC [[Books of Kings]] tells of the rediscovery of an old book by King Josiah, which would be the oldest part of the Torah, around which Josiah's scribes would have fabricated the remaining text:		Others, such as archeologist [[Israel Finkelstein]], tend to suggest that a substantial portion of the Pentateuch is a 7th century BC construction, designed to promote the dynastic ambitions of King [[Josiah]] of Judah. The 6th century BC [[Books of Kings]] tells of the rediscovery of an old book by King Josiah, which would be the oldest part of the Torah, around which Josiah's scribes would have fabricated the remaining text:

	:And [[Hilkiah]] the high priest said unto [[Shaphan]] the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. (2 Kings 22:8 [[KJV]])		:And [[Hilkiah]] the high priest said unto [[Shaphan]] the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. ([[2 Kings 22:8]] [[KJV]])

	Under [[Josiah]]'s rule there would then for the first time have been a unified and state of Judah, centralized around the worship of Yahweh based at the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], with texts portraying King Josiah as the legitimate successor to the legendary David and thus the rightful ruler of Judah. According to this interpretation, neighboring countries that kept many written records, such as [[Egypt]], [[Persian Empire\|Persia]], etc., have no writings about the stories of the Bible or its main characters before 650 BC, and the archaeological record of pre-Josiac Israel does not support the existence of a unified state in the time of David.<ref>Such claims are detailed in ''Who Were the Early Israelites?'' by [[William G. Dever]] (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2003). Another such book is ''The Bible Unearthed'' by [[Neil A. Silberman]] and [[Israel Finkelstein]] (Simon and Schuster, New York, 2001).</ref> However, this view is challenged by references to the "House of David" and Davidic Kings of Israel in 9th century BC inscriptions. <ref>"'David' Found at Dan," ''Biblical Archaeology Review'', March-April 1994</ref>		Under [[Josiah]]'s rule there would then for the first time have been a unified and state of Judah, centralized around the worship of Yahweh based at the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], with texts portraying King Josiah as the legitimate successor to the legendary David and thus the rightful ruler of Judah. According to this interpretation, neighboring countries that kept many written records, such as [[Egypt]], [[Persian Empire\|Persia]], etc., have no writings about the stories of the Bible or its main characters before 650 BC, and the archaeological record of pre-Josiac Israel does not support the existence of a unified state in the time of David.<ref>Such claims are detailed in ''Who Were the Early Israelites?'' by [[William G. Dever]] (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2003). Another such book is ''The Bible Unearthed'' by [[Neil A. Silberman]] and [[Israel Finkelstein]] (Simon and Schuster, New York, 2001).</ref> However, this view is challenged by references to the "House of David" and Davidic Kings of Israel in 9th century BC inscriptions. <ref>"'David' Found at Dan," ''Biblical Archaeology Review'', March-April 1994</ref>

	A traditional strain of scholarship ~~{{Who\|date=February 2009}}~~ would assign portions of the Pentateuch (generally, the [[Jahwist\|J]] author) to the period of the [[United Monarchy]] in the 10th century BC, would date Deuteronomy and the [[Deuteronomic history]] to the time of King Josiah, and that the final form of the Torah was due to a redactor in exilic or postexilic times (6th century BC). This view is based on the account of the finding of the "book of law" in 2 Kings 22:8, which would correspond to the core of Deuteronomy, and the remaining parts of the Torah would have been composed to supply a background from traditional accounts to the rediscovered text.		A traditional strain of scholarship would assign portions of the Pentateuch (generally, the [[Jahwist\|J]] author) to the period of the [[United Monarchy]] in the 10th century BC, would date Deuteronomy and the [[Deuteronomic history]] to the time of King Josiah, and that the final form of the Torah was due to a redactor in exilic or postexilic times (6th century BC). This view is based on the account of the finding of the "book of law" in [[2 Kings 22:8]], which would correspond to the core of Deuteronomy, and the remaining parts of the Torah would have been composed to supply a background from traditional accounts to the rediscovered text.
	;Views on Torah		;Views on Torah
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Documentary hypothesis]]		\|[[Documentary hypothesis]]
	\|Four independent documents (the [[Jahwist]], [[Elohist]], [[Deuteronomist]] and the [[Priestly source]]), composed between 900-550 BC, redacted ''c'' 450 BC, possibly by [[Ezra]]		\|Four independent documents (the [[Jahwist]], [[Elohist]], [[Deuteronomist]] and the [[Priestly source]]), composed between 900-550 BC, redacted ''c'' [[450 BC]], possibly by [[Ezra]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|Supplementary models (e.g. [[John Van Seters]])		\|Supplementary models (e.g. [[John Van Seters]])
	\|Torah composed as a series of authorial expansions of an original source document, usually identified as J or P, largely during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, final form achieved c. 450 BC.		\|Torah composed as a series of authorial expansions of an original source document, usually identified as J or P, largely during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, final form achieved c. [[450 BC]].
	\|-		\|-
	\|Fragmentary models (e.g. [[Rolf Rendtorff]], Erhard Blum)		\|Fragmentary models (e.g. [[Rolf Rendtorff]], Erhard Blum)
	\|Torah the product of the slow accretion of fragmentary traditions, (no documents), over period 850-550 BC, final form c. 450 BC.		\|Torah the product of the slow accretion of fragmentary traditions, (no documents), over period 850-550 BC, final form c. [[450 BC]].
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Biblical minimalism]]		\|[[Biblical minimalism]]
	\| Torah composed in [[Hellenistic]]-[[Hasmonean]] period, c. 300-140 BC.		\| Torah composed in [[Hellenistic]]-[[Hasmonean]] period, c. [[300 BC\|300]]-[[140 BC]].
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}
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	The [[Books of Kings]] mentions the following sources:		The [[Books of Kings]] mentions the following sources:
	#The "book of the acts of Solomon" (1 Kings 11:41)		#The "book of the acts of Solomon" ([[1 Kings 11:41]])
	#The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" (14:29; 15:7, 23, etc.)		#The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" (14:29; 15:7, 23, etc.)
	#The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (14:19; 15:31; 16:14, 20, 27, etc.).		#The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" (14:19; 15:31; 16:14, 20, 27, etc.).

	The date of its composition was perhaps some time between 561 BC, the date of the last chapter (2 Kings 25), when [[Jehoiachin]] was released from captivity by [[Evil-merodach]], and 538 BC, the date of the decree of deliverance by [[Cyrus the Great]].		The date of its composition was perhaps some time between [[561 BC]], the date of the last chapter (2 Kings 25), when [[Jehoiachin]] was released from captivity by [[Evil-merodach]], and 538 BC, the date of the decree of deliverance by [[Cyrus the Great]].

	The [[Book of Isaiah]], in its present form, is by most scholars considered the result of an extensive editing process, in which the promises of God's salvation are reinterpreted and claimed for the Judean people through the history of their exile and return to the land of [[Kingdom of Judah\|Judah]]. Very few scholars dispute these conclusions and argue for multiple authors. When the [[Septuagint]] version was made (about 250 BC), the entire contents of the book were ascribed to Isaiah, the son of Amoz. In the time of Jesus, the book existed in its present form, with many prophecies in the disputed portions quoted in the [[New Testament]] as the words of Isaiah.		The [[Book of Isaiah]], in its present form, is by most scholars considered the result of an extensive editing process, in which the promises of God's salvation are reinterpreted and claimed for the Judean people through the history of their exile and return to the land of [[Kingdom of Judah\|Judah]]. Very few scholars dispute these conclusions and argue for multiple authors. When the [[Septuagint]] version was made (about [[250 BC]]), the entire contents of the book were ascribed to Isaiah, the son of Amoz. In the time of Jesus, the book existed in its present form, with many prophecies in the disputed portions quoted in the [[New Testament]] as the words of Isaiah.
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-		\|-