Bible Question: Job is said to be the oldest known Biblical document. Does anyone know the approximate date when it was first written and by whom? |
Bible Answer: It is my impression that Job was written either during the exile in Babylon, or after that period when many of the apocrypha and pseudogrypha books were written. It is for this reason why the book is often viewed by people as an allegory (Israel was experiencing what Job experienced in many ways at this time. Job written at this time makes a lot of sense.) Just because the book may have been penned during the exile or post exile, does not mean that it isn't still historically accurate. Therefore your question about the origin of the book still remains and no one will ever know the answer for sure. I am certain, however, that the Jewish Rabbis have a lot to say about authorship. You might venture over to such a web site and seek an answer there. I'd do it, but just don't have time today. MJH |