Who Wrote the Torah? (Pentateuch)

Buy the summary chart:

Complete series in one video:

Individual episodes:

Recommended Reading:
* Alter, Robert (2011). The Art of Biblical Narrative. Basic Books.
* Baden, Joel (2012). The Composition of the Pentateuch: Renewing the Documentary Hypothesis. Yale University Press.
* Coogan, Michael (2001) The Oxford History of the Biblical World. Oxford University Press
* Finkelstein, Israel & Neil Asher Silberman (2001). The Bible Unearthed. Free Press.
* Kugel, James (2007). How to Read the Bible. Free Press.
* Stein, Robert H. (2001). Studying the Synoptic Gospels: Origin and Interpretation. Baker Academic.

Credits:
Charts & Narration by Matt Baker, PhD
Animation by Syawish Rehman
Audio by Jack Rackam

[DanielS-gvnj]

To emphasize where source based analysis ends and personal opinion begins characterizes a true scientist. Keep up the great work, Matt.

[UsefulCharts]

Several people have commented on the strangeness of the Northern Kingdom seeming to have more connections with Egypt and the Southern Kingdom seeming to have more connections to Mesopotamia (considering that Egypt is to South and Mesopotamia is to the North). Well, keep in mind that one must consider time as well as geography. It is likely that the Northern Kingdom was older and originated in the days when Egypt was more dominant, whereas the Southern Kingdom lasted longer and reached its peak when Assyria (followed by Babylon) was dominant.

[JudgeTyBurns]

I don’t really have much in the way of prior interest or knowledge about this subject, but something about the way you speak and present the material makes it very engaging.

[dundermifflinfinity]

I've tried to research this on my own, but was unable to find this much information. Very unbiased and educational. Thank you for your help!

[matthias]

The real history is so much more fascinating than the literal myths/legends. Understanding how groups were able to synthesis a single narrative to unify and come together is dope

[earshad]

I have studied these theories 10 years ago, too difficult without an illustration though. I am amazed at how you present these things. We need more content like this. Keep it up.

[Tsudkyk]

I love these charts. Thank you for your work, visual representations like this are extremely useful for understanding the timelines, bloodlines, and general history. So, thanks!

[runkelpokk]

i realy like your videos about religion, they are very neutral and fact based and dont offend anyone :) a perfect example how to talk about religion

[Ratchet]

Reminds me of the duality in Egyptian mythology which came from the period Egypt was divided into a lower kingdom and an upper kingdom, which were then unified.
That's how the feline deity became bast in one kingdom and Sekhmet in the other. With the Reunification causing them to share their role where one was a domestic cat feline goddess: bast and the other a lioness feline goddess: Sekhmet.

[RabbiJoeInJerusalem]

I'm an Orthodox rabbi and still found this very intriguing. Especially the part about the name Jacob being associated with the Southern Kingdom.

[ThisisBarris]

I’m as atheist as it gets but I still find your religious videos very interesting Matt! So much history in them

[MartinoMaroso]

This topic seems so huge, I hope to see even more detailed videos

[DutchJoan]

This clarifies so many things, even for a layperson like myself. Channels like yours help me to overcome my deconversion anger and to give focus to the fascination I still have for (parts of) the bible.

[OhanCockett]

I'd just like to let you know that whenever I need a refresher on the pentateuch (or indeed am currently painting a church hall) I listen to this! So in depth and so detailed. Thankyou

[revcrussell]

Remember there is still a small group of people practising the religion of the North: The Samaritans. Their bible and the differences in it could be a very important clue in how those from the North joined the religion of the South.

[matthewserensen]

This is extremely well done. I'm never one to comment on YouTube but i am impressed. And I've never heard of your third theory before. Looks like I've got some reading to do. Thank you!

[fordan_gamsy]

This series helped me do some deconstructing of the "biblical literalism" that I was raised with. The actual history is a lot more interesting anyways.

[uziel]

Call me a nerd, call me a geek, call me whatever you want, but I found this video both fascinating and insightful. A solid foundation for anyone who is looking to delve into this topic deeper. Thank you!

[ryans]

I dig all your content but this episode was incredibly fascinating. That new theory makes a lot of sense, but I’m just a casual history fan.

Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

[charlieduke]

Hell yeah, I finally arrived on one of Useful Charts videos within the first 5 hours of its existence. Love the video, excellent work Matt