What is the oldest book in the Bible?

Answer

The question of which book of the Bible is the oldest is impossible to answer because the ancient world did not have books and authors as we understand them today. In ancient times, there were mainly authoritative speakers who conveyed their message to listeners. Professional scribes may have transcribed the message, but the resulting documents were not duplicated and circulated. A copy might have been kept in an archive, but the average person would not have had access to it, even if literate. Orality was prevalent in the culture, contrasting with the prevalence of literacy in our society. Consequently, ancient people were less concerned about the timing of a book’s composition compared to our modern preoccupation. Their primary focus was on the message’s authority, even if it had been relayed multiple times.

The earliest events in the Bible occur in Genesis. While we know that God communicated the message to Moses, the timing of its transcription into a “book” remains uncertain. Some parts were inscribed on tablets (Exodus 34:1-4), and other sections were likely documented at that time, but the exact moment when they assumed the “final” written form we have today is unclear. The language of the Pentateuch displays signs of evolution and revision (indicating it is not as “ancient” as expected if written during Moses’ time), suggesting that the “final” version may have emerged many years after Moses, despite its origins tracing back to him and ultimately to God.

Some argue that the book of Job recounts events predating Moses, making it one of the oldest books in the Bible. However, the theological themes in Job suggest that the book addresses concerns that were relevant at a later period.

Much later, perhaps from the exilic period, and addressed to Israelites. Therefore, while the book may contain information about events that occurred long before, it appears to have been written much later than Genesis.

In conclusion, Genesis undoubtedly contains the oldest information, and the message of Genesis originated from Moses, who was the first prophet to have his words formalized in written Scripture. Thus, it would likely be correct to consider Genesis, or possibly the Pentateuch as a whole, as the oldest book of the Bible.