Bible Question:
Who wrote Genesis? How do we know? Are there biblical references? Is there archeological evidence? Just to clarify I believe all scripture is God breathed and therefore true. So this is NOT a question of believing the truth of Genesis. P.S. This is my first time on this site and I have enjoyed reading the posts. It seems that there are a few different religions represented here, I didn't expect that. Looking foreward to a complete answer. Blessings to you all! Jenvin |
Bible Answer: Hello Jenvin and welcome to the Forum! "Genesis is the first book of a larger work, the first five books of the Old Testament, called the Pentateuch, the authorship of which has traditionally been ascribed to Moses. This is supported by the following considerations: (1) the Pentateuch itself affirms Moses as its author (Ex. 17:14; 24:4, 7; 34:27; Num. 33:1-2; Deut. 31:9); (2) other Old Testament books testify to the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch (Josh. 1:7-8; 8:32, 34; 22:5; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6; 21:8; Ezra 6:18; Dan. 9:11-13; Mal. 4:4); (3) the New Testament affirms the same (Matt. 19:8; Mark 12:26; John 5:46-47; 7:19; Rom. 10:5); (4) eyewitness details point to a participant being the author, not an editor who lived centuries later (Ex. 15:27; Num. 2:1-31; 11:7-8); (5) the author’s information about Egyptian names, words, customs, and geography would have been difficult for an author or editor to have obtained in Canaan centuries after Moses’ time (Gen. 13:10; 16:1-3; 33:18; 41:43; cf. Acts 7:22)." (Ryrie's Study Bible) "The Book of Genesis was written and compiled by Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai. Biblical and extrabiblical evidence points to this fact. Jesus clearly assumes Mosaic authorship of Genesis in the statement, “Moses therefore gave you circumcision” (compare also Acts 15:1). Since the reason for circumcision is mentioned only in Gen. 17, Jesus had to be referring to Moses’ compilation of the story. Second, both Jewish and Christian tradition unanimously agree with this Biblical testimony: Moses compiled and wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, in the Wilderness of Sinai. This would place his authorship of Genesis around the fifteenth century B.C." (Nelson's Study Bible) Most of the scholars agree that the Book of Genesis was written by Moses. You have stated that there are a 'few different' religions represented here.. I hope and pray that Christianity would be the religion that is overwhelmingly represented at this "Study Bible Forum"! Thank you for your question! --Nolan |