First assembly of the Old Testament.”
Key Historical Context
1400–1200 BCE
The Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy)
Traditionally Moses; scholars suggest later oral traditions.
The Exodus and the formation of Israel.
The Mystery of the Pentateuch (The “JEDP” Theory)
While tradition attributes the first five books (Genesis through Deuteronomy) to Moses, most modern historians and biblical scholars identify four distinct “voices” or source documents that were woven together over centuries. This is known as the Documentary Hypothesis.
J (Jahwist): The oldest source (c. 950 BCE). It uses the name “Yahweh” for God and depicts Him with human-like qualities (walking in the garden, talking face-to-face).
E (Elohist): (c. 850 BCE). Uses “Elohim” for God and focuses more on dreams, visions, and the northern kingdom of Israel.
D (Deuteronomist): (c. 600 BCE). Mostly found in Deuteronomy. It focuses on the Law, the Central Temple, and the covenant.
P (Priestly): (c. 500–450 BCE). Written by priests during or after the Babylonian Exile. It focuses on genealogies, dates, rituals, and the Sabbath.
Why this matters: This explains why there are two different creation stories in Genesis 1 and 2, and why some stories (like Noah’s Ark) seem to repeat themselves with slight contradictions.
1000–900 BCE
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, early Psalms
Samuel, Nathan, Gad, David.
The United Monarchy (David & Solomon).
900–600 BCE
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Hosea, Amos
Solomon, various Prophets.
The Divided Kingdom; rise of the Assyrian threat.
600–500 BCE
Lamentations, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Jeremiah, 1 & 2 Kings
Jeremiah, Ezekiel.
The Babylonian Exile (Jerusalem destroyed).
500–400 BCE
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Malachi, Zechariah
Ezra, Nehemiah, “The Chronicler.”
The Return to Jerusalem and rebuilding the Temple.
