Who Really Wrote the Pentateuch?

by David Rollert

Ever heard of a theory called the Documentary Hypothesis? It’s popular among sceptic scholars who claim that the first five books of the Bible (called the Pentateuch) were not written by Moses. They claim that the Pentateuch is instead a compilation of four different documents, assembled by a later redactor or editor. But, honestly... does it even matter who wrote the Pentateuch?

(The following is a summary from an article by Eric Lyons which can be found at https://apologeticspress.org/does-it-really-matter-who-wrote-the-pentateuch-857/).

In short, yes, it matters. Firstly, in numerous places, the Pentateuch itself claims that Moses wrote the law of God. One such passages is Exodus 24:4, which states “And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord.” If Moses did not write the Pentateuch, then the claims that the Old Law were inspired by God would be based on lies.

Secondly, writers throughout the Old Testament assert that Moses wrote the Pentateuch (also called “the Law”). In Joshua 8:32, it states, “He (Joshua) wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he (Moses) had written, in the presence of the sons of Israel.” When the Law was rediscovered in the time of King Josiah it is recorded “... Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law of the LORD given by Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14b). These are only two examples of the numerous times writers in the Old Testament refer to Moses as the one through whom God chose to give His law. If Moses did not write the Pentateuch, then it throws the reliability of the Old Testament into question.

Thirdly, the New Testament writers state clearly that Moses wrote the Old Law. John 1:17 states, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” Luke records, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, [Jesus] explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). It was common knowledge in the first century that Moses wrote the Pentateuch, as is shown when James states; “For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath” (Acts 15:21). If Moses did not write the Pentateuch, then it throws the reliability of the New Testament into question.

Finally, Jesus Himself asserts that Moses wrote the Pentateuch. Jesus quotes from the book of Exodus and attributes it to Moses. “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘he who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death’” (Mark 7:10). For an even more direct statement by Jesus, take a look at John 5:46-47, where Jesus states; “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” It is clear that Jesus believed that Moses wrote the Pentateuch. So, If Moses did not write the Pentateuch, then it throws the reliability of Jesus Himself into question. But, to what extent does the evidence align with the theory?

Check out the sermon below for a few more details about this very important subject:

[Editorial note: at the 30:16 mark, there was a reference error - it should have been "Genesis 21:32," not Genesis 21:36. My apologies for the mixup.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-sG2_Lnp0k