Quote:
Originally Posted by pelathais
All of the foregoing long-windedness about the Pentateuch may be seen as something of a start on my answer to those of you who asked about how I see it all fitting together.
There's a huge amount of ground to cover and the "proofs" that I have found (actually others found, but I became convinced only after going over it all myself) are numerous and often each one is rather expansive and requires some background as well.
I do believe that holy men (and at least one woman) spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost when it comes to the authorship of the books of the Bible. I do not believe, however, that Moses wrote the words:
"And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan."
Dan wasn't even born yet. His grandfather Isaac wasn't even born yet - let alone there being a city and region called "Dan" being in existence. And get this! The city of Dan that the writer of Genesis is referring to here wasn't called "Dan" until after the events described in Judges 18:29 - about 300 years after the death of Moses.
Understanding the time frame involved in the writing of Genesis will help us to understand the parabolic nature of the accounts that precede Abram's call to leave Ur (which was in a notorious flood plain).  |
I don't know if it was 300 years but that is beside the point really. Yes this shows Genesis was either written or edited after the fact
NET bible says
The use of the name Dan reflects a later perspective. The Danites did not migrate to this northern territory until centuries later (see
Jdg_18:29). Furthermore Dan was not even born until much later. By inserting this name a scribe has clarified the location of the region.
Gill suggests it was done so in a prophetic anticipation
wherefore, if the same place is intended here, it is so called not only by anticipation, but by a spirit of prophecy; since it had not the name of Dan even in the times of Moses, the writer of this history, unless it may be thought to be inserted by Samuel or some other inspired writer, after Moses; though there is no need to suppose either of these, seeing there might be a town or city of this name in those parts at this time, or however one of the springs of Jordan might be so called, from whence the river had its name as early,
Gen_13:11; and so Josephus (f) expressly says, speaking of this expedition, that Abram fell upon them at Dan, for so, adds he, the other fountain of Jordan is called.
If it was written after the fact what does this do to the argument that God showing Moses his "hinder parts" refers to the past works of God?