ABSTRACT
In Volume 1 we introduced the role of language in assigning dates of
origin of biblical writings. Our main focus was principles and method-
ology and we looked systematically at (1) similarities and differences
between the language of biblical books in ABH, EBH and LBH, (2) dia-
chronic, synchronic and scribal explanations for linguistic differences
between these, and (3) the role of extra-biblical sources in linguistic
analysis. Often our discussions spoke broadly about the language of the
nine core EBH books (Genesis-Kings) in comparison and contrast to the
five core LBH books (Esther-Chronicles) or eight undisputed postexilic
but we also looked
In this chapter we wish
to shift our focus and survey scholarly views on the origins (author, date,
reference to the linguistic evidence scholars have cited in arriving at
these conclusions.
