Tim Daneliuk wrote:
wrote:

Tim Daneliuk wrote:

...

I just did some digging and I was wrong. The dating of the writing of
the Pentateuch *is* generally conceded to be 1500 BCE or so as you
suggested. However, the events it *records* are considered (by some) to
be much older, and *that's* what's in dispute - the exact age/duration
of the ancient Hebrews as an entity.



1500 BC is around the time of Amenhotep who advocated monotheism
in Egypt and is also around the time of Zoraster (though last I
heard THAT was in dispute). So it appears the idea enjoyed
widespread popularity.


Well ... if you accept that idea that the Pentateuch records
events that well-precede 1500 BCE then it is recording the
first known instance of declared monotheism...


You would also have to assume that the Pentateuch is accurate
on that issue, with respect to whatever preceded it, lost
writings or oral traditions. Revisionism is not a new
concept.

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FF