How old is the book of Deuteronomy?

Answer 1

Edward F. Campbell Jr (The Oxford History of the Biblical World, A Land Divided) says that virtually all scholars agree that the Book of Deuteronomy - or at least a good part of it (chapters 5-26 and 28 are often nominated) - was the scroll found in the Temple when Josiah was carrying out his reforms in the last quarter of the seventh century BCE. Scholars believe that it had recently been written and then placed in the Temple in order to be 'found', thereby establishing an appearance of great antiquity. In this early form, the Book of Deuteronomy would be approximately a little more than 2,600 years old, although additions and redaction would continue to take place until after the Babylonian Exile.