The Legacy The Legacy of the of the

“SCROLL”“SCROLL”

Objectives of the SessionObjectives of the Session• Christ be Glorified!Christ be Glorified!

• To have a brief but concise overview of To have a brief but concise overview of the transmission of the OT Scriptures to the transmission of the OT Scriptures to what we have todaywhat we have today

• Acknowledge a lapse in historical Acknowledge a lapse in historical records but confidence in faithfulness records but confidence in faithfulness of men and women in the preservation of men and women in the preservation of Scripturesof Scriptures

Road MapRoad Map

Road MapRoad Map

The Old TestamentThe Old Testament

How did we get from here…

To here?

What are the divisions of What are the divisions of the OT?the OT?

• TTorah (Law) also known as the orah (Law) also known as the PentateuchPentateuch

• NNebi’im (Prophets)ebi’im (Prophets)• KKethubim (Writings)ethubim (Writings)• The first consonant in each of these The first consonant in each of these

three sections make up the three sections make up the TaNaKTaNaK, , the OT as we know it.the OT as we know it.

• Canon is from Greek word ‘kanon’ Canon is from Greek word ‘kanon’ meaning “rule” as in a “ruler.”meaning “rule” as in a “ruler.”

I. Inspired WritingsI. Inspired Writings

A.A. Old TestamentOld Testament

1.1. HebrewHebrew: Masoretic Text (MT): Masoretic Text (MT)

2.2. GreekGreek: Septuagint (LXX): Septuagint (LXX)

3.3. OT OT CanonicityCanonicity

B.B. New TestamentNew Testament

1.1. DatesDates

2.2. NT NT CanonicityCanonicity

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Jewish WritingsJewish Writings

The Book of Psalms

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We have no Hebrew writings today that We have no Hebrew writings today that existed before Mt. Sinai (1445 existed before Mt. Sinai (1445 BCBC))

Jewish Primary Sources Jewish Primary Sources Began at the TabernacleBegan at the Tabernacle

The Hebrew The Hebrew CanonCanon

Jewish and Jewish and Christian books Christian books are the same but are the same but in different order in different order and classificationand classification

193

The Hebrew The Hebrew CanonCanon

Jewish and Jewish and Christian books Christian books are the same but are the same but in different order in different order and classificationand classification

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

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The Hebrew The Hebrew CanonCanon

Jewish and Jewish and Christian books Christian books are the same but are the same but in different order in different order and classificationand classification

Luke 24:44 “… everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

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The Hebrew ConsonantsThe Hebrew Consonants

http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/hebrewal.htm

Matt 5:18 “… For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter [“yod”] or stroke [“tittle”] shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (NASB).

“tittle”

“yod”

1.1. HebrewHebrew: The Masoretic Text (MT): The Masoretic Text (MT)

•~yhla arb tyvarb mihole arab htihsereB

•~yhi_l{a/ arB tyviarB.

Bereshith bara elohim In the beginning God created

193

Unpointed text Unpointed text (1400 (1400 BC – ADBC – AD 800) 800)

Pointed text by MasoretesPointed text by Masoretes((ADAD 800 - present) 800 - present)

2. 2. GreekGreek: The : The Septuagint (LXX)Septuagint (LXX)The OT Hebrew text The OT Hebrew text

was translated into was translated into Greek in Alexandria Greek in Alexandria around 250 BCaround 250 BC

myhla arb tyvarb

evn avrch/| evpoihsen o` qeoj

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3.3. OT OT CanonicityCanonicity

Canonicity is vital for those seeking GodCanonicity is vital for those seeking God

What Criteria was Used?What Criteria was Used?

Authoritative & EnduringAuthoritative & Enduring

Doctrinal SuitabilityDoctrinal Suitability

Prophetic AuthorshipProphetic Authorship

Claim to be God’s WordClaim to be God’s Word

Dynamic CharacterDynamic Character

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Why Adopted So Late?Why Adopted So Late?

ApocryphaApocrypha

LXXLXX

AntilegomenaAntilegomena

SamaritansSamaritans

Pharisaical TraditionPharisaical Tradition

In the beginning…In the beginning…

From the time of Adam, From the time of Adam, commands given by commands given by God and traditions were God and traditions were probably passed down probably passed down by oral tradition.by oral tradition.

Discussion: Since stories Discussion: Since stories passed by oral tradition passed by oral tradition for hundreds of years for hundreds of years

before Moses, what still before Moses, what still gives you confidence that gives you confidence that the Bible is God’s Word, the Bible is God’s Word,

not just man’s word?not just man’s word?

Moses first received the Moses first received the 10 Commandments at 10 Commandments at Mount Sinai.Mount Sinai.

His five books are the His five books are the first installment of the first installment of the scriptural record.scriptural record.

Moses first received the Moses first received the 10 Commandments at 10 Commandments at Mount Sinai.Mount Sinai.

His five books are the His five books are the first installment of the first installment of the scriptural record.scriptural record.

The BeginningThe Beginning

A Summation of God’s A Summation of God’s WillWill

At the plains of Moab…At the plains of Moab…The book of Deuteronomy was added to the canon

The book of Deuteronomy was added to the canon

By the time of Moses’ death, Jews accepted the Pentateuch as from God himself

By the time of Moses’ death, Jews accepted the Pentateuch as from God himself

So!...The Command to So!...The Command to WriteWrite

So!...The Command to So!...The Command to WriteWrite

God explicitly commanded His servants to write God explicitly commanded His servants to write down certain events and words:down certain events and words:

• Words of God at Sinai Words of God at Sinai (Exod. 24(Exod. 2444))• Tablets of Stone Tablets of Stone (Exod. 24(Exod. 241212 34 3411; Deut. 4; Deut. 41313 5 522 22

10102,42,4))• Moses to write the Words of God Moses to write the Words of God (Exod. 34(Exod. 3427-27-

2929; Num. 33; Num. 3322 Deut. 31 Deut. 3199))• Joshua to write the Law Joshua to write the Law (Deut. 27(Deut. 272-3,8 2-3,8 ; Josh. ; Josh.

883232))• Josiah finds and reads the Law Josiah finds and reads the Law (2 Kings 22(2 Kings 228-138-13))• Ezra preserves/edits the Books Ezra preserves/edits the Books (Ezra 7(Ezra 710 10 ; Neh. ; Neh.

993838 13 1311))

God explicitly commanded His servants to write God explicitly commanded His servants to write down certain events and words:down certain events and words:

• Words of God at Sinai Words of God at Sinai (Exod. 24(Exod. 2444))• Tablets of Stone Tablets of Stone (Exod. 24(Exod. 241212 34 3411; Deut. 4; Deut. 41313 5 522 22

10102,42,4))• Moses to write the Words of God Moses to write the Words of God (Exod. 34(Exod. 3427-27-

2929; Num. 33; Num. 3322 Deut. 31 Deut. 3199))• Joshua to write the Law Joshua to write the Law (Deut. 27(Deut. 272-3,8 2-3,8 ; Josh. ; Josh.

883232))• Josiah finds and reads the Law Josiah finds and reads the Law (2 Kings 22(2 Kings 228-138-13))• Ezra preserves/edits the Books Ezra preserves/edits the Books (Ezra 7(Ezra 710 10 ; Neh. ; Neh.

993838 13 1311))

Why Keep the Law?Why Keep the Law?

• Deuteronomy 31:26 "Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.”

• Deuteronomy 31:26 "Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.”

•Notice, the Torah (and subsequent writings) were not kept IN the Ark but beside it! …for ease of reference!

Adding to the CommandsAdding to the Commands

• The Jews Considered the Torah not to be messed with! We see the command given:

• “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you” (Deut. 4:2)

• But as for the Writings and Prophets…

• The Jews Considered the Torah not to be messed with! We see the command given:

• “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you” (Deut. 4:2)

• But as for the Writings and Prophets…

The Torah Only?The Torah Only?The Torah Only?The Torah Only?

• That’s all well and good, but so far, That’s all well and good, but so far, you’ve only mentioned the Torah you’ve only mentioned the Torah (Pentateuch)(Pentateuch)

• What happened to the rest?What happened to the rest?• No one really knows for sure… but No one really knows for sure… but

here’s the generally believed here’s the generally believed account… account…

• That’s all well and good, but so far, That’s all well and good, but so far, you’ve only mentioned the Torah you’ve only mentioned the Torah (Pentateuch)(Pentateuch)

• What happened to the rest?What happened to the rest?• No one really knows for sure… but No one really knows for sure… but

here’s the generally believed here’s the generally believed account… account…

Writings & Prophets Writings & Prophets LimitsLimits

Writings & Prophets Writings & Prophets LimitsLimits

• Joshua to write his own covenant Joshua to write his own covenant (Josh 24(Josh 242626))• Prophets unlike Moses to come after Moses Prophets unlike Moses to come after Moses

(Exod 33(Exod 331111;; Deut 34 Deut 341010))• Samuel writes priestly ordinances Samuel writes priestly ordinances (1 Sam 10(1 Sam 102525))• Prophets commanded to write Prophets commanded to write (Isa 8(Isa 81616 30 3088 Jer Jer

303022 36 362,4,17,182,4,17,18 45 4511 51 516060 Ezek 43 Ezek 431111 Hab 2 Hab 222))• Book read and explained to post exilic Jews Book read and explained to post exilic Jews

(Neh 8(Neh 81-181-18) ) (Emendations made)(Emendations made)

• Joshua to write his own covenant Joshua to write his own covenant (Josh 24(Josh 242626))• Prophets unlike Moses to come after Moses Prophets unlike Moses to come after Moses

(Exod 33(Exod 331111;; Deut 34 Deut 341010))• Samuel writes priestly ordinances Samuel writes priestly ordinances (1 Sam 10(1 Sam 102525))• Prophets commanded to write Prophets commanded to write (Isa 8(Isa 81616 30 3088 Jer Jer

303022 36 362,4,17,182,4,17,18 45 4511 51 516060 Ezek 43 Ezek 431111 Hab 2 Hab 222))• Book read and explained to post exilic Jews Book read and explained to post exilic Jews

(Neh 8(Neh 81-181-18) ) (Emendations made)(Emendations made)

The Hebrew The Hebrew CanonCanon

Jewish and Jewish and Christian books Christian books are the same but are the same but in different order in different order and classificationand classification

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The Pentateuch (Torah)The Pentateuch (Torah)The Pentateuch (Torah)The Pentateuch (Torah)

• Ca 722 BCE, by the time of the exile of the Ca 722 BCE, by the time of the exile of the Northern Kingdom, the PentateuchNorthern Kingdom, the Pentateuch ( (hrthrt)) was was canonized.canonized.

• And upon return from the exile, the Northern And upon return from the exile, the Northern tribes already had the precursor of their current tribes already had the precursor of their current Samaritan Pentateuch (ca 110 BCE)Samaritan Pentateuch (ca 110 BCE)

The Prophets and the The Prophets and the WritingsWritings

The Prophets and the The Prophets and the WritingsWritings

The Prophets were probably canonized ca 400 BCE

The Prophets were probably canonized ca 400 BCE The Writings were

probably canonized ca 300 BCE

The Writings were probably canonized ca 300 BCE

Road MapRoad Map

Evidences of the Canon Evidences of the Canon before Council of Jamniabefore Council of JamniaEvidences of the Canon Evidences of the Canon

before Council of Jamniabefore Council of JamniaLetter of Aristeas (ca 130 BC) to his brother Philocrates about King Ptolemy II of 285 BC

Letter of Aristeas (ca 130 BC) to his brother Philocrates about King Ptolemy II of 285 BC

The initial LXX contained only the Torah in ca 285 BC and the other books were added subsequently, finally bringing the completion of the Septuagint (LXX) ca 132 BC

The initial LXX contained only the Torah in ca 285 BC and the other books were added subsequently, finally bringing the completion of the Septuagint (LXX) ca 132 BC

2002 News Paper Clip2002 News Paper Clip

Septuagint (LXX)Septuagint (LXX)194194194194

• This refers to the Greek translation of the This refers to the Greek translation of the TanakTanak. LXX means ‘seventy’ in Latin. LXX means ‘seventy’ in Latin

• It is useful as it helps us get closer to It is useful as it helps us get closer to earlier manuscripts which were lost or earlier manuscripts which were lost or destroyeddestroyed

• Many versions of translation process, such Many versions of translation process, such as…as…6 representatives of each of the 12 tribes 6 representatives of each of the 12 tribes of Israel were sent to Alexandria with of Israel were sent to Alexandria with beautiful parchment of the Torah upon beautiful parchment of the Torah upon request of King Ptolemy to Eleazar the High request of King Ptolemy to Eleazar the High PriestPriest

• They completed it in 72 daysThey completed it in 72 days

Order of BooksOrder of BooksOrder of BooksOrder of Books195a195a

• Judas Maccabeus, at the end of the war, Judas Maccabeus, at the end of the war, was said to have collected the lost bookswas said to have collected the lost books

• 2 Maccabees 2:14 “In like manner also Judas (Maccabeus) gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us”

• He probably then established the He probably then established the traditional order of the books in 164 BCEtraditional order of the books in 164 BCE

• One traditional order is recorded in the One traditional order is recorded in the Babylonian Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a)Babylonian Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a)

Council of Council of JamniaJamnia

Council of Council of JamniaJamnia

• A council convened at Jamnia in AD 90A council convened at Jamnia in AD 90• This was not so much to This was not so much to gathergather or or

decidedecide the canon of the Tanak, but to the canon of the Tanak, but to confirmconfirm the places of the books already the places of the books already presentpresent

• Books disputed but still placed in the Books disputed but still placed in the canon became known as the Anti-canon became known as the Anti-Legomena (“spoken against”)Legomena (“spoken against”)

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The Divisions of The Divisions of ‘Scripture’‘Scripture’

The Divisions of The Divisions of ‘Scripture’‘Scripture’

• Books that were undisputed are known as Books that were undisputed are known as the the HomolegomenaHomolegomena

• The books that were definitely thrown out The books that were definitely thrown out are known as the are known as the ApocryphaApocrypha

• Disputed books are now called the Disputed books are now called the AntilegomenaAntilegomena, which include Ezekiel, Esther, , which include Ezekiel, Esther, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of SongsEcclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Songs

• Books that were never considered part of the Books that were never considered part of the scriptures are known as the scriptures are known as the PseudepigraphaPseudepigrapha

195a195a

HomolegomenaHomolegomenaHomolegomenaHomolegomena

• Undisputed for its content and Undisputed for its content and doctrinal stability, accepted without doctrinal stability, accepted without reservationreservation

• Thirty-four (34) out of the 39 Old Thirty-four (34) out of the 39 Old Testament books fall under the Testament books fall under the category of category of HomolegomenaHomolegomena

• Only five (5) fell under the category Only five (5) fell under the category of Antilegomenaof Antilegomena

Disputed Books Disputed Books (Antilegomena)(Antilegomena)Disputed Books Disputed Books (Antilegomena)(Antilegomena)

• Song of SolomonSong of Solomon – Considered too sensual – Considered too sensual • EcclesiastesEcclesiastes –Considered too skeptical. However, –Considered too skeptical. However,

the conclusion is very much in line with the rest the conclusion is very much in line with the rest of Scripture: the fear of the Lord is the key to of Scripture: the fear of the Lord is the key to meaning in life.meaning in life.

• EstherEsther – The name of God is never mentioned in – The name of God is never mentioned in the book. However, it is clear that throughout the the book. However, it is clear that throughout the book, we see God preserving His people Israel.book, we see God preserving His people Israel.

• Ezekiel Ezekiel –Thought to contradict the teaching of the –Thought to contradict the teaching of the Mosaic Law (e.g., no ark in the temple).Mosaic Law (e.g., no ark in the temple).

• ProverbsProverbs – Thought to contain internal – Thought to contain internal contradictions, this is and was not true of 26:4-5 contradictions, this is and was not true of 26:4-5 and elsewhere.and elsewhere.

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ApocryphaApocryphaApocryphaApocrypha

• ApocryphaApocrypha is a Greek word meaning is a Greek word meaning things hiddenthings hidden..

• Traditionally in Bibles but not read or Traditionally in Bibles but not read or taught to the unlearned publictaught to the unlearned public

• Considered by Protestants to be Considered by Protestants to be myth or uninspired due to content or myth or uninspired due to content or doctrinedoctrine

194a194a

The 15 OT Apocryphal BooksThe 15 OT Apocryphal Books (250 BC-AD 100) (250 BC-AD 100)

The 15 OT Apocryphal BooksThe 15 OT Apocryphal Books (250 BC-AD 100) (250 BC-AD 100)

TobitTobitJudithJudithWisdom of SolomonWisdom of SolomonEcclesiasticusEcclesiasticus

1 Esdras1 Esdras

2 Esdras2 Esdras

Prayer of ManassehPrayer of Manasseh

BaruchBaruch

Letter of JeremiahLetter of Jeremiah

Additions to EstherAdditions to Esther

Song of the Three ChildrenSong of the Three Children

SusannaSusannaBel and the DragonBel and the Dragon1 Maccabees1 Maccabees2 Maccabees2 Maccabees

Psalm 151?Psalm 151?3 Maccabees?3 Maccabees?4 Maccabees?4 Maccabees?

194a194a

PseudepigraphaPseudepigraphaPseudepigraphaPseudepigrapha

• The The PseudepigraphaPseudepigrapha refers to the refers to the books that did not make it to the books that did not make it to the canons of both the Protestant and canons of both the Protestant and Catholic Bibles.Catholic Bibles.

• Books were taught to have ‘fake’ Books were taught to have ‘fake’ authorship or authors with authorship or authors with pseudonyms.pseudonyms.

• Content also appeared fictitious to say Content also appeared fictitious to say the least and contradictory to doctrine the least and contradictory to doctrine of the Torah.of the Torah.

194a194a

Criteria for the CanonCriteria for the CanonCriteria for the CanonCriteria for the Canon

• DDoctrinal Stability (to Torah )octrinal Stability (to Torah )• History of History of AAuthoritative use and uthoritative use and

usageusage• CClaimed itself to be ‘Word of God’laimed itself to be ‘Word of God’• Prophetic Prophetic AAuthorshiputhorship• DDynamic Characterynamic Character

195a195a

Why are these books doubted?Why are these books doubted?

Never recognized as authoritativeNever recognized as authoritative

False theologyFalse theology

No claim of inspirationNo claim of inspiration

Lack of dynamic characterLack of dynamic character

Suspicious history of RCC acceptanceSuspicious history of RCC acceptance

194c194c

Jesus’ Testimony to the Jesus’ Testimony to the CanonCanon

Jesus’ Testimony to the Jesus’ Testimony to the CanonCanon

• Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

• Luke 24:44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.“

• Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah (2 Chron24:21), who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.

• Matthew 23:35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah (2 Chron. 24:21), whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.

• Law and Prophets (Mtt517 712 2240)

• Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

• Luke 24:44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.“

• Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah (2 Chron24:21), who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.

• Matthew 23:35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of innocent Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah (2 Chron. 24:21), whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.

• Law and Prophets (Mtt517 712 2240)

195a195a

New Testament New Testament Testimony to the OT Testimony to the OT Canon and AuthorityCanon and Authority

New Testament New Testament Testimony to the OT Testimony to the OT Canon and AuthorityCanon and Authority

• Jesus Jesus (Luke 18(Luke 1831-3331-33 24 2425-2725-27 John 10 John 103535))• Peter Peter (Acts 1(Acts 11616))• Stephen Stephen (Acts 7(Acts 73838))• Paul Paul (Romans 3(Romans 322))• James James (James 4(James 455))

195b195b

Close of the CanonClose of the CanonClose of the CanonClose of the Canon

• The prophetic gift was said to have The prophetic gift was said to have ceasedceased

• 1 Maccabees 9:27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.

195b195b

Road MapRoad Map

22

24 23

Number of Books?Number of Books?Number of Books?Number of Books?Persons have come up with differing versionsPersons have come up with differing versions

195b195b

• There are 22 consonants in the Hebrew There are 22 consonants in the Hebrew alphabetalphabet

• Some authors say there are 22 books, like the Some authors say there are 22 books, like the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (some say 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (some say 24)24)

• Josephus was the first to mention the number Josephus was the first to mention the number 22 around AD 9622 around AD 96

• The number 24 was 1The number 24 was 1stst recorded in 2 Esdras recorded in 2 Esdras 141444-4844-48

• The Qumran library had all OT books all but The Qumran library had all OT books all but EstherEsther

BooksBooks Josephus AD Josephus AD 9696

Melito AD 170Melito AD 170 Origen AD 230Origen AD 230 Athanasius AD Athanasius AD 367367

Our Bible Our Bible TodayToday

TorahTorah 55 55 55 55 55

Joshua Joshua 11 11 11

Ruth & JudgesRuth & Judges 11 22 11 22 22

Samuel and Samuel and KingsKings

22 22 44 44

ChroniclesChronicles 1 (Incld 1 (Incld Sam+Kings)Sam+Kings)

22 11 22 22

Ezra & Ezra & NehemiahNehemiah

11 11 11 22 22

PsalmsPsalms 11 11 11 11 11

ProverbsProverbs 11 11 11 11 11

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes 11 11 11 11 11

Song of SongsSong of Songs 11 11 11 11 11

IsaiahIsaiah 11 11 11 11

Jeremiah & Jeremiah & Lamentations & Lamentations & Epistle of Epistle of JeremiahJeremiah

1 (Jeremiah & 1 (Jeremiah & Lamentations)Lamentations)

1 (Jeremiah & 1 (Jeremiah & Lamentations)Lamentations)

11 22 22

DanielDaniel 11 11 11 11 11

EzekielEzekiel 11 11 11 11

JobJob 11 11 11 11 11

EstherEsther 11 11 Epistle to Epistle to JeremiahJeremiah

11

ProphetsProphets 66 1 (the 12)1 (the 12) 11 1212 1212

Jesus NaueJesus Naue 11

TotalTotal 2222 2323 2222 3939 3939

195c195cW

hic

h B

ooks?

Wh

ich

Books?

Road MapRoad Map

The ChronologyThe ChronologyThe ChronologyThe Chronology195b195b

• Ca 722 BCE PentateuchCa 722 BCE Pentateuch• Ca 400 BCE Prophets canonizedCa 400 BCE Prophets canonized• Ca 300 BCE Writings canonizedCa 300 BCE Writings canonized• Ca 285 BCE Septuagint (LXX Torah)Ca 285 BCE Septuagint (LXX Torah)• Ca 132 BCE Septuagint (LXX Full Version)Ca 132 BCE Septuagint (LXX Full Version)• Ca 130 BCE letter of AristeasCa 130 BCE letter of Aristeas• AD 90 Council of Jamnia 39 OT books affirmedAD 90 Council of Jamnia 39 OT books affirmed• AD 96 Philo testifies to the OT CanonAD 96 Philo testifies to the OT Canon• AD 600 Masoretes added vowel points, accents and AD 600 Masoretes added vowel points, accents and

the Masora to lock in the Scripturesthe Masora to lock in the Scriptures• Ca AD 918 full codex found from Ben Asher FamilyCa AD 918 full codex found from Ben Asher Family

What the text looked What the text looked like…like…

What the text looked What the text looked like…like…

#rahtaw~ymVhta~yhlaarBtyvarB`#rah taw ~ymVh ta ~yhla arB

tyvarB`#r<a'(h' taeîw> ~yIm:ßV'h; taeî

~yhi_l{a/ ar"äB' tyvi arEB. How the text was written, and how it was read

The kethiv – what was writtenThe qere – what was read

The The MasoraMasora

The The MasoraMasora

The Masora is made up of two parts:

The Masora Magna isthe 4 top lines and the bottom 7 lines

The Masora Parva is the notes written on the side

A Fence to the ScripturesA Fence to the ScripturesA Fence to the ScripturesA Fence to the ScripturesThe Masorah or Masoretic Text (MT) is written The Masorah or Masoretic Text (MT) is written in 3 columns for ease of reading:in 3 columns for ease of reading:

• The The MasoraMasora, was written like a fence around , was written like a fence around the three columns of the page to ensure no the three columns of the page to ensure no one adds to the letter of the bookone adds to the letter of the book

• Masora MagnaMasora Magna basically give a word count basically give a word count of the number of times certain words of the number of times certain words appear in the scripturesappear in the scriptures

• Masora ParvaMasora Parva indicates variant forms of the indicates variant forms of the word (e.g. ‘daud’ vs ‘dauid’)word (e.g. ‘daud’ vs ‘dauid’)

SopherimSopherimSopherimSopherim

• The Sopherim were believed to be the The Sopherim were believed to be the authorized revisers of the text of the authorized revisers of the text of the MasorahMasorah

• After the return from exile (Neh 8After the return from exile (Neh 888), the ), the Law was read and explained to the peopleLaw was read and explained to the people

• The Scribes or Sopherim were the official The Scribes or Sopherim were the official revisers of the text, amending the text revisers of the text, amending the text before it was passed on to the Masoretes, before it was passed on to the Masoretes, who were the official custodians of the MTwho were the official custodians of the MT

Division of the TorahDivision of the TorahDivision of the TorahDivision of the Torah

• The The Babylonian Babylonian Jews divided the Jews divided the Torah up into Torah up into 54 parts 54 parts that it may be that it may be read in a year [Parashiyyoth read in a year [Parashiyyoth (parashah)].(parashah)].

• The The Palestinian Palestinian Jews had the Torah Jews had the Torah paragraphed into paragraphed into 154 divisions 154 divisions to to cover it in three years [Sedarim cover it in three years [Sedarim (seder)].(seder)].

Ancient Texts We Have Ancient Texts We Have TodayToday

Ancient Texts We Have Ancient Texts We Have TodayToday

• AD 850 Codex of PentateuchAD 850 Codex of Pentateuch• AD 895 Cairo Codex – ProphetsAD 895 Cairo Codex – Prophets• AD 916 Leningrad Codex – ProphetsAD 916 Leningrad Codex – Prophets• Ca AD 930 Aleppo Codex – Whole OTCa AD 930 Aleppo Codex – Whole OT• Ca AD 918 Standard Division of OT Ca AD 918 Standard Division of OT

by Masoretes of the Ben Asher by Masoretes of the Ben Asher FamilyFamily

• Ca AD 1000 Leningrad OTCa AD 1000 Leningrad OT

Dead Sea ScrollsDead Sea ScrollsDead Sea ScrollsDead Sea Scrolls• In 11 mountain caves west of Khirbet Qumran, In 11 mountain caves west of Khirbet Qumran,

ancient manuscripts of all the canonical books ancient manuscripts of all the canonical books except Esther were discovered in 1947-1956except Esther were discovered in 1947-1956

• Manuscripts found were dated from the middle Manuscripts found were dated from the middle of the 3of the 3rdrd Century BCE to AD 135. Prior to this, Century BCE to AD 135. Prior to this, manuscripts used for the Hebrew Bible dated manuscripts used for the Hebrew Bible dated from AD 900-1000from AD 900-1000

• Only minor discrepancies appeared compared Only minor discrepancies appeared compared to the MSS 1000 later--mostly of grammar!to the MSS 1000 later--mostly of grammar!

• The 7The 7thth edition of Kittel’s BHS (Hebrew Bible) edition of Kittel’s BHS (Hebrew Bible) incorporates the textual variantsincorporates the textual variants

Division of ChaptersDivision of ChaptersDivision of ChaptersDivision of Chapters

• AD 1228 Stephen Langton divided the AD 1228 Stephen Langton divided the Latin Vulgate into chaptersLatin Vulgate into chapters

• AD 1518, the chapters were applied to the AD 1518, the chapters were applied to the Hebrew Bible (Bomberg Edition)Hebrew Bible (Bomberg Edition)

• AD 1571, chapters each received a AD 1571, chapters each received a numbernumber

• Verses were subsequently added, first to Verses were subsequently added, first to the Bomberg’s Great Biblethe Bomberg’s Great Bible

The Bible TodayThe Bible TodayThe Bible TodayThe Bible Today

• 1488 – Soncino – 11488 – Soncino – 1stst Full Hebrew Full Hebrew BibleBible

• 1937 – Kittel – Biblia Hebraica – 31937 – Kittel – Biblia Hebraica – 3rdrd EdEd

• 1951 – Kittel – 71951 – Kittel – 7thth Ed – Included Ed – Included readings from the Dead Sea Scrollsreadings from the Dead Sea Scrolls

What Does This Mean to What Does This Mean to Me?Me?

What Does This Mean to What Does This Mean to Me?Me?

• Scripture has been transmitted us Scripture has been transmitted us from the originals with great carefrom the originals with great care

• We can have confidence in the We can have confidence in the reliability of the Scriptures that we reliability of the Scriptures that we have nowhave now

• The challenge of our predecessors to The challenge of our predecessors to preserve, instruct and propagate the preserve, instruct and propagate the Scriptures still remains with usScriptures still remains with us

ChallengeChallengeChallengeChallenge

LIVE LIKE IT IS!LIVE LIKE IT IS!

Are you convinced the Bible Are you convinced the Bible comes from God comes from God

and is indeed the very word of God?and is indeed the very word of God?