Open AccessFound But Not Lost: A Skeptical Note on the Document Discovered in the Temple under Josiah
Author(s) -
David Henige
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of hebrew scriptures
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1203-1542
DOI - 10.5508/jhs.2007.v7.a1
Subject(s) - reign , temple , skepticism , philosophy , literature , moment (physics) , epistemology , history , law , art , ancient history , political science , politics , physics , classical mechanics
In this paper I look at the famous story of the finding ofthe “book of the law” in the temple during the reign of Josiah. Adopting apragmatic/plausible approach and keeping in mind the biblical testimony aboutearlier circumstances in Judah, I argue that the story as we have it lacksinherent plausibility and should be rejected as an etiological invention,whether or not of the time. None of the various scenarios that could explain itsdisappearance can also serve to explain why it remained hidden for so long, onlyto be discovered at just the right moment to provide a willing Josiah with thejustification to begin a cultic reform program.