018
How many sources are cited in the so-called “Deuteronomistic History” found in the Bible?
074
Answer: 4
Many Biblical scholars believe a cohesive narrative history composed by a single author or school of authors, known as the Deuteronomistic History, runs through the books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. This history, likely begun during the religious reforms of King Josiah (639–609 B.C.) and finalized in the years following the Babylonian Exile, follows the story of Israel from its entry into the Promised Land under Joshua to its forced exile in Babylon at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C.
Scholars continue to debate the religious and political biases that may have colored this first “history” of ancient Israel. It is generally agreed, however, that many of the basic elements of the Deuteronomistic History were taken from actual documents preserved in the royal and priestly archives of Israel and Judah. Unfortunately, none of these documents has survived, but the writers and editors of the history provide the names of at least four archival sources they consulted.
The two most often cited sources are the Book of the Chronicles of the Kingdom of Judah (mentioned 15 times) and the Book of the Chronicles of the Kingdom of Israel (mentioned 18 times). In 1 and 2 Kings, these citations typically occur after the summary of a king’s reign (see, e.g., the footnote to King Hezekiah’s reign in 2 Kings 20). Presumably, both books were simple annalistic accounts of the major accomplishments or events recorded for each king of Israel and Judah. Similarly, in 1 Kings 11:41, the writer references the Book of the Acts of Solomon, which may have documented the unique achievements of this Israelite monarch.
The fourth document, the Book of Jashar, which is cited at least twice in the history, appears to have been a compilation of archaic Israelite poetry. In one poem recorded in this long lost book, Joshua commands the sun to stand still during the battle of Gibeon (Joshua 10:12–13), while in another, David extols the heroism and triumphs of his deceased compatriots Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:19–27).
How many sources are cited in the so-called “Deuteronomistic History” found in the Bible?
074
Answer: 4
