Understanding the Role of the Torah

The Torah serves as a foundational text for biblical history and is regarded as the primary scripture during the time of King David. The subsequent historical books, such as Joshua and the Kingdom narratives, were written long after the events they recount, primarily after the Babylonian exile. This implies that the current form of the Hebrew Bible—its structure and order—was finalized post-exile, consolidating various texts into a singular narrative. Thus, the role of the Torah is pivotal, as it not only establishes religious laws and teachings but also sets a contextual backdrop for understanding later biblical events.