The Bible For Normal People [Bible] Episode 260: Jacob L. Wright - Why the Bible Came to Be
28 snips
Nov 20, 2023 Expert on the origins of the Hebrew Bible, Jacob L. Wright, discusses why the Bible began as a way to unite a people group in the midst of defeat. The podcast explores an alternate perspective on the origins of the Bible, the power dynamics behind its creation, the presence of defeat in Torah and the Exodus story, and the role of women in the Bible and its impact on origins and reception.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bible's Origins in Defeat
- The Bible's origins lie in the defeat and destruction of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, not during their peak.
- This trauma led to the creation of a shared narrative and text, the Torah, to unite the exiled community.
Redefining Identity
- Defeat forced communities to redefine their identity, no longer based on kingdoms or kings.
- A shared narrative and public text became central, offering a new basis for community.
Pervasive Defeat
- Defeat is a pervasive theme throughout the Hebrew Bible, even in texts seemingly predating the exile.
- The exile experience reshaped older traditions, giving prominence to stories like the Exodus.