The Composition of the Book of Numbers

The Book of Numbers was not written by a single person but was edited from various earlier sources, including oral and written traditions, by the Priestly source known as 'P.' This source is characterized by standard priestly words and concepts, containing legal codes and regulations for formal worship. Additionally, the book of Numbers includes other sources such as the 'J' and 'E' sources, which are narrative traditions. The 'J' source refers to God as 'Yahweh,' while the 'E' source refers to God as 'Elohim.' Scholars believe that the Priestly source combined the 'J' and 'E' narrative material to support a priestly ideology. The author suggests listening to podcast episodes 45, 125, 171, and 204 for further insights on the authorship of the Book of Numbers.