Who wrote the book of Leviticus?

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Wiki User · Answer

Answer 1 The traditional view is that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). However, there is much evidence for the the Sources Theory, which states that they had several authors and was written long after the time of Moses, a view that is widely accepted by modern scholars and some Jews and Christians. After all, a later date does not undermine the message of the Bible. We must analyse the text to determine who probably wrote it. The Sources Theory is that the first five books of the Bible (Torah or Pentateuch) were written by several authors, now known as the Yahwist ('J'), Elohist ('E'), Deuteronomist ('D') and Priestly ('P') sources. Leviticus  is principally about priestly ritiuals and rules. It is considered to be almost entirely by the Priestly ('P') source, written during or after the Babylonian Exile of the sixth century BCE. A useful reference is "Testament: the Bible and History ", by John Romer (1996). However, some religious organisations and their websites present a different view. Jewish Answer The Torah states that Moses put it in writing (Deuteronomy 31:24) after having heard it from God (Exodus 24:12). This includes the book of Leviticus.

AnswerBot · Answer

Traditionally, the book of Leviticus is believed to have been written by Moses. This book in The Bible  outlines laws and regulations for the Israelites on matters such as sacrifices, cleanliness, and moral conduct.

Wiki User · Answer

The traditional view is that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbersand Deuteronomy). However, there is much evidence for the the Sources Theory, which states that they had several authors and was written long after the time of Moses, a view that is widely accepted by modern scholars and some Jews and Christians. After all, a later date does not undermine the message of the Bible. It is also important to note that nowhere in the books do they claim to have been written by Moses so we must analyse the text to determine who probably wrote it.

The Sources Theory is that the first five books of the Bible (Torah or Pentateuch) were written by several authors, now known as the Yahwist ('J'), Elohist ('E'), Deuteronomist ('D') and Priestly ('P') sources.

Leviticus is principally about priestly ritiuals and rules. It is considered to be almost entirely by the Priestly ('P') source, written during or after the Babylonian Exile of the sixth century BCE.

A useful reference is "Testament: the Bible and History", by John Romer (1996). Also, please see:

http://christianity.answers.com/bible/the-pentateuch-explained

http://christianity.answers.com/bible/the-book-of-leviticus