Authorship of the Pentateuch

Was Moses the primary author of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)? This complex and contentious question produces multiple viewpoints which can be broadly categorized into two main camps: (1) traditional and (2) critical. The answer may lie somewhere in between.

1. On the critical end of the spectrum are scholars who view the canonical Pentateuch as the product of a long and complicated process of literary growth. In other words, Moses was not the author of the canonical Pentateuch. Seventeenth century philosopher Baruch Spinoza explicitly questioned Mosaic authorship in his “Theological-Political Treatise,” in which he argued for multiple sources based on inconsistencies and stylistic differences. In the eighteenth century, Jean Astruch identified the use of different divine names (Elohim and Yahweh) in Genesis as evidence for multiple sources.

2. On the other end are scholars who regard Moses as the sole author of the canonical Pentateuch, with few (if any) editorial additions added by Joshua at the end of Deuteronomy. These claim that Moses wrote everything from Genesis 1:1 to Deuteronomy 34:4. Even the most ardent defenders of an exclusively Mosaic Pentateuch acknowledge that Joshua wrote Deuteronomy 34:5-12, which speak of Moses’ death (some claim that Joshua’s words begin at Deuteronomy 33:1). But were there more editorial comments added (cf Gen 13:10; Ex 16:36; Num 12:3; Deut 10:6-9)?

A sensible third option views the canonical Pentateuch as the product of at least two editions: (a) the Mosaic first edition (Mosaic Pentateuch) and (b) a prophetic second edition (Canonical Pentateuch). The canonical Pentateuch can be traced back to Moses as the primary author for at least two main reasons:

1. Internal textual claims within the Pentateuch itself, where Moses is alluded to as the writer (Ex 17:14; 24:4; 34:27; Num 33:1-2; Deut 31:9).

2. Strong Jewish (Josh 1:7-8; 8:31; 1 Kgs 2:3; 8:53, 56; Ezra 6:18; 7:6; Neh 9:14; 13;1; Dan 9:11-13; Mal 4:4; Philo of Alexandria, On the Life of Moses and Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities) and early Christian (Lk 16:29-31; 24:27, 44; Jn 5:46; Rom 10:5) tradition atributes authorship to Moses.

But the end product of the Pentateuch demonstrates remarkable unity, intentionality and singleness of purpose with the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures (cf Mal 4:4-6). Its final version seems to be the product of a later author/editor (possibly Ezra?). For example, Deuteronomy 34:10 states, “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” To attribute this statement to Joshua doesn’t seem to make sense. Only a later source would have known about the entire line of prophets who followed Moses. Thus, the final composition of the canonical Pentateuch could be dated late in Israel’s history. The editorial commentary in Deuteronomy 34:10 seems to shed light on an unfulfilled promise, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen” (18:15). Peter understood that this promise was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 3:22-26).