The Paradigm

The Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet

History I

[Post seven of thirty]

This is a story about two archaeological discoveries. Each may profoundly impact biblical and world history.

Note

This is the first of ten posts detailing the history of the Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet.

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Archaeologists discovered these at the same location at different times. The first became known about 40 years ago. Identification of the latter occurred within the last six.1 

Yet, they pose a piercing assault on a long-understood, entrenched paradigm. Something many considered unassailable.

What is that? It is that Moses did not write, and, in fact, could not have written, the first five books of the Bible. This is despite scripture declaring otherwise. Old Testament sources, as well as Jesus, affirmed or implied that Moses wrote the Torah.

They aimed to forge a shared identity for the Hebrews. This would engender moral cohesion and reverence for mythological heroes.2

This idea permeates more than the ivory towers of elite universities. It holds sway over heartlands worldwide. Since the late 19th century, priests and preachers have been thus taught. Waves of college students enrolled in biblical studies were also so schooled. 1

This paradigm against Mosaic authorship has a name. It is the documentary hypothesis.2

Now, let us examine these two discoveries that challenge it.

But before doing so, here are some questions. When did you first encounter the documentary hypothesis, and what effect did that have on you?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Thank you for engaging with this topic thus far!

Our next post introduces “Joshua’s Altar” and its role in this story.

I look forward to continuing with you there.

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Next post: “Joshua’s Altar?”