Exploring the Composition of the Pentateuch, Volume 2

While the critique of existing approaches to the composition of the Pentateuch has its place, the editors of this volume argue that there is a need to formulate positive proposals based on verifiable data and logical argumentation. Building on the foundation established in the preceding volume, Exploring the Composition of the Pentateuch, Volume 2 pursues this goal by addressing three essential questions: What are key strategic areas of research that need attention? In what areas can we draw conclusions? And what are the limits of available, relevant evidence?

Part 1 of this volume investigates the readability of the Pentateuch, exploring narrative techniques, inconsistencies, and coherence. Part 2 tackles issues relevant for the dating of Deuteronomy, like the narrative retelling in Deut 1–3, dating based on parallels to the Loyalty Oath of Esarhaddon, and deuteronomistic tribal language. And part 3 focuses on issues related to the overall dating of the Pentateuch, discussing empirical models, comparisons with the Hazor Legal Fragments, turning points in pentateuchal scholarship, the direction of dependence between the legal material of the Pentateuch, and the absence of Zion theology in the Pentateuch.

In addition to the editors, the contributors include Richard E. Averbeck, John S. Bergsma, Joshua Berman, Daniel I. Block, Mark Steven Francois, Roy E. Gane, Richard S. Hess, Benjamin Kilchör, Noel K. Weeks.

“This diverse collection of essays challenges both the status quo and cutting-edge theories in today’s Pentateuchal historical critical research. Its essays challenge oft unchallenged presuppositions related to the dating and literary coherence of the Pentateuch, offering a wide assortment of effective arguments engaging its non-Western literary coherence, literary reuse and dependence, ancient scribal and editorial practices, dialectical variation in diachronic linguistics, among other important topics.”—Neal A. Huddleston, Trinity International University

L. S. Baker Jr. is Adjunct Professor of Old Testament in the Seventh-day Adventist Seminary at Andrews University.

Kenneth Bergland is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies.

Felipe A. Masotti is Professor of Hebrew Bible at Paraná Adventist College.

A. Rahel Wells is Professor of Old Testament at Andrews University.