The Composition of the Torah: When Did Moses Write the Torah?

The Torah, a central religious text in Judaism, has been a subject of much scholarly debate, particularly regarding its composition and authorship. This piece delves into the historical context, textual origins, and the consensus among authorities on when Moses wrote the Torah.

Tanakh Defined

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, is composed of three parts: the Torah, the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). The Torah, the first part, consists of the first five books known as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Tanakh is a Greek term for the Hebrew Bible, literally meaning "the entire collection." It is composed of:

Torah Prophets: The first five books, which contain the word of God given to Moses. Nevi'im (Prophets): From Joshua to the last Prophet, Malachi. Ketuvim (Writings): Written mostly in Judah.

The Genesis of the Torah

The Torah comprises the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Each book contains unique elements and focuses on different aspects:

Genesis: The history of creation, including Adam, Enoch, Noah, the Flood, and the covenant with Abraham and Jacob (Israel). Exodus: The account of the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, including the Ten Commandments. Leviticus: Laws and rituals for the Levite priests. Numbers: Numerical listings and various laws. Deuteronomy: A repetition and elaboration of the Torah, including Moses' discourses before his death and his commissioning of Joshua to lead Israel.

Authorship and Composition

Much debate has surrounded the authorship and composition of the Torah. Traditional Jewish belief attributes the entirety of the Torah to Moses, but modern scholarship suggests a more complex development over time. Some key dates and events that influenced the composition of the Torah include:

Early 200 BC: The beginning of Judaism as a distinct religious movement. 1450 BC: The Torah is said to be given to Moses on Mount Sinai. About 587 BC: The composition of the Torah is believed to have been largely completed during the Babylonian Exile. Around 620 BC: The Book of Deuteronomy is said to have been written during the reign of King Josiah, as referenced in the Bible.

Oral Torah and Its Role

In addition to the Torah, there is the Oral Torah, or the Mishnah, which is a compendium of Jewish laws and customs. The Mishnah and Gemara, which together form the Talmud, detail the oral traditions passed down through generations. These oral traditions were compiled and codified into written form after critical periods in Jewish history, such as the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.

According to Jewish tradition, the Oral Torah was given by God to Moses but was not initially written down, only passed on orally. However, due to dire circumstances, the Oral Torah was eventually written down in the 3rd century CE, following the compilation of the Mishnah. This was a dispensation made in the oral tradition, as stated in the 9th chapter of tractate Berachos.

Conclusion and Final Date

The final version of the Torah, as we know it today, was presented by Moses on the seventh of the month of Adar, shortly before his death, in 2787 from the creation of the world, or 973 BCE. This day marks the official completion of the Torah, as per the Jewish calendar.

The composition of the Torah is a fascinating topic that continues to be a subject of academic and religious discourse. Whether written all at once or piecemeal, the Torah remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Moses and thefaith of the Jewish people.