Other Biblical Texts Potentially from the Early Monarchal Period

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines several other potential examples of early pre-exilic material embedded in the Hebrew Bible, even if not specifically associated with David (e.g. royal psalms) or Solomon (e.g. Proverbs and Song of Songs). Particular attention is given to the non-P Primeval History, which features extensive and unambivalent parallels to non-biblical materials (especially Atrahasis). In addition, the covenant code (Exod 20:22-23:33) features similar non-ambivalent links to the Code of Hammurabi and other Mesopotamian legal traditions which might situate it toward the outset of Judean and Israelite textuality. Finally, the chapter proposes that a number of other traditions with apparent connections to the early Israelite North, such as the Jacob, Joseph and Moses stories, may represent early Israelite textualizations of older oral traditions without clear parallels in other Ancient Near Eastern cultures.