... This would show that even the Pentateuch (and the entire Bible, actually) is written in spelling that does not predate the exile. This provides the
linguistic grounds for doubting the authorship.
Peter,
It seems to me that some progress has been made now, since you accept that the historical sources (Kings, mainly) cannot provide evidence for the condemnation of Asherah in earlier times. I agree, that since this is evidence from silence, this in itself cannot be used as evidence.
This is why the final step is to look for evidence for the contrary
position - that Asherah-type worship of Yahweh was done in line
with the establishment view. Since I have already detailed this
view, you might just want to reread it. Namely, the Asa episode
and Ex 34:13 can be read as implying that Yahweh may have
had an Asherah and that this was accepted by religious/royal
authorities. ...
...
I do find it interesting, that originally, though, you claimed that
"we have historical records in the books of Kings, as well as the
Mesha stela." Now, though, when I presented a possible
interpretation of the Mesha stele, you say that it is speculation
upon speculation. It is speculation to interpret the Mesha stele
or the book of Kings as agreeing with one point of view, but it is
hard evidence when used for the Deuteronomistic point of view?
...
Now, it is nice you agree that the people at K. Ajrud were
"obviously" religious people. I personally would have used the
word "likely." Anyhow, it is unlikely that "religious people," prophets or priests, would have allowed "regular people," even believers, to enter their holy site. ...
... The prohibitions regarding the
Temple, as well as the behavior of Elisha in 2 Ki 6:1-3, suggest
that prophets and priests tended to seclude themselves in the
specific sites they inhabited, ...
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