Survey: How Did Genesis Come into Being?
How do you think Genesis came to be written in the form that we have it? Leave a comment telling your choice and why. If you have a theory other than those listed below, please tell us.
A. Genesis is the product of an editor or editorial group that brought together different documents. (documentary hypothesis)
B. As part of the Pentateuch, Genesis was either written by Moses or was produced through Moses' mediation.
C. Genesis is the product of a learned editor or editors who had access to sources that tell of a time long before the material was scribed.
D. Genesis represents an attempt to recreate a common history of the Semites living in Canaan during the time of King David's reign.
E. Genesis, the Book of Ruth, and the Song of Songs are the work or a single writer who lived during the reign of King Solomon.
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11 comments:
A, B & C. Possibly D. But mostly C.
Alice, let me suggest what seems to me be the most sensible alternative.
Genesis (and the rest of the Pentateuch) is primarily the product of Moses' writing, and yet shows obvious evidence of later minor editorial work.
I think A & C are pretty much the same. I think the editor(s) may have been Moses or a group of learned men from that era. I think David is too late as a choice for editor as he may not have had access to the source materials from the earlier date. There may have been some re-editing & expansion in Davids' time but the original editor mas Moses or before.
I keep thinking of Genesis 4:26: ...then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. I've seen an alternate rendering of: ...then a beginning was made of preaching in the name of Jehovah. This is one of those verses that doesn't say much but seem to imply a lot. Perhaps this refers to the beginnings of man appealing to God for the meaning of life and it was during this time that God began His revelation to man. Different religions formed as man responded in different ways to this revelation but God guided certain groups of people into a narrower & narrower focus of this revelation until we arrive at the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus.
How do "A" and "C" differ?
A and C are different in that A requires written documents and C relies on many "sources" - written, oral, archival, etc.
The Books of Moses are authored by Moses in much the same way that Joshua authored Joshua, Samuel authored Samuel, the Kings of Israel and Judah authored the Books of Kings, Esther authored Esther, Job authored Job, Judith authored Judith, Solomon authored Sirach (his fifth and last Book) and Jesus authored the Gospels.
Thanks for the clarification, Jandy. I'll go with "C" then.
May we expect posts discussing each of these varying hypotheses?
Yes, Father, I'll address the different theories after we've heard from a few more people. Please pray for me! : )
Father Tim, You've been keeping up with the reading!
"C" Rick
Rick, you are another faithful reader who has been following the research. So gratifying!
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