Why is it called Deuteronomic history?

Answer 1

Another answer from our community:

The Deuteronomic History is named by the developers of the documentary hypothesis in the 19th century to refer to the history also written by the author of Deuteronomy. They gave this history a separate name because they believed it represented a different perspective of a different author who wrote much later than the time of Moses.

This is connected with their second major presupposition, that of an evolutionary development of the religion of Israel from primitive polytheism (many gods) to Henotheism (many gods, with one chief god) to Monotheism (one God). Josiah's reform was intended to bring the 'triumph of Monotheism' by attributing its authority to antiquity, whereas it was the invention of a much alter age.

Thus although the theory is elaborate it has no supporting evidence except its own internal circular reasoning. There never was any evidence of any kind for the theory as postulated, except in the minds of its creators and proponents. No documents of any kind exist which support the proposed deuteronomic history or the existence of the alleged author. No corroborating historical detail external to The Bible itself, supports it. The internal witness of the Bible itself, also thoroughly refutes this history.

Thus there never was such a thing as the Deuteronomic History as postulated by the documentary theorists. Nor was there a necessity to create such a history. I believe the evidence points toward a single author in the time-frame suggested by the text itself, around 1400 BC, that person being Moses.

Answer 2

Deuteronomic history is called so because it is characterized by themes, language, and theological perspectives found in the Book of Deuteronomy. This historical narrative in the Old Testament (Joshua-2 Kings) emphasizes the importance of following the laws and commandments of God, loyalty to Him, and the consequences of disobedience. It reflects a Deuteronomic theology that emphasizes covenant and fidelity to God.

Answer 3

The term 'Deuteronomic History' is used to refer to the Books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings, all of which consist of events all said to have occurred after the death of Moses. Thus there is no scholarly support for Moses being the author of any of the Deuteronomic History.
The History forms an integrated block of text covering the period from the assumed conquest of Canaan through to the end of the kingdom of Judah and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile. Each book begins exactly where the previous book finishes, with no overlap and no apparent omissions - a good pointer to a common author.
The final book in the series, 2 Kings, ends with the Babylonian Exile so must have been written only a little earlier, allowing for the addition of any material needed after the death of the original author. The possibility of the History being completed after the Exile can be dismissed, firstly because of the difficulty of undertaking such an exercise shortly after a defeat and capture, secondly because that is the period when the Books of Chronicles were commenced.

The style of all the books in the History is the same, and they consistently use a form of Hebrew current during the late monarchical period. The style is also consistent with the style of the Book of Deuteronomy, believed to have been written during the reign of King Josiah shortly before the Babylonian Exile. Thus, there is real and consistent evidence that the History was from the same author as the author of Deuteronomy. For this reason, it has become known as the Deuteronomic History.