From the Reed Sea to Kadesh
A Redactional and Socio-Historical Study of the Pentateuchal Wilderness Narrative
- 418 pages
- 15 hours of reading
The book explores the evolution of the wilderness narrative in Exodus and Numbers, tracing its origins from pre-monarchic traditions to its final compilation. It posits that memories of YHWH from the southern desert and experiences of Egyptian oppression merged to create an early exodus-wilderness tradition in the Northern Kingdom. Following Israel's fall, this narrative was reinterpreted during the Persian period, influenced by various scribal circles with differing social and political views, leading to a rich tapestry of debates reflected in the wilderness story.
