The Making of the Pentateuch: A Methodological Study

by Roger Norman Whybray, Andrew Mein (Series Editor), Claudia V. Camp (Series Editor)

'Whybray's recent book is a masterful review of all the options set out by critical scholarship since Wellhausen, i.e., over the last century. It is an exhaustive and up to date treatment, concise and highly readable.' E. Dyck, Crux 'Sensitive to standards of ancient historiography and parallels from the Greek sphere, Whybray proposes that the Pentateuch is the work of an ancient historian, possibly designed as a supplement or prologue to the deuteronomistic history. The analysis of the work of others and of the state of [CHECK REVIEW!] extremely valuable; the final suggestion makes it all the more engaging. Essential for all concerned with fundamentals of critical biblical studies.' W. Lee Humphreys, Religious Studies Review>

Genres: Old Testament

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1987

About the author

Roger Norman(R.N.) Whybray Biblical Scholar

Reviews

[JJ Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for those that are delving into the world of the composition of the Pentateuch. It's split into three sections: the first is essentially an updated version of Cassuto's work in the 40s, arguing against the Documentary Hypothesis, the second examines the idea of oral transmission and tradition criticism, ultimately deciding against it, and the third section puts forth a theory of single authorship for the Pentateuch. There has been a lot more written on each of these areas since Whybray wrote this, but it's a great way of helping yourself get caught up on the conversation.