Deuteronomist history can be defined as a contemporary theory that was driven by Martin Noth. The German philosopher argued all the books of the former prophets’ came from the same literary work. The line of argument was the beginning of the contemporary theory of Deuteronomist History. The books of the former prophets addressed by the concept include Joshua, Samuel, Kings, Judges, Deuteronomy and Hebrews. Noth used the theory to explain the similarity that existed among the collection of books. The basis of the argument was the themes displayed by the different characters dominating the various texts (Peterson, 2014). The essay seeks to elaborate the concept of Deuteronomist history, the importance of the term in understanding former prophets and major themes of the former prophets.
The German Philosopher, Martin Noth, is recognized as the founder of the theory of Deuteronomist. The term was used to refer to the collection of books of the former prophets. There are two main reasons that support the stand of the philosopher. First, Noth argued that the books were written with similar style, language, and content, making it suitable for the grouping. Second, most of the themes addressed in the books were expounding of the issues that were already addressed in Deuteronomy. All the books were written when the Israel were in Exile in Babylon. The stories in the texts revolve around the life of the Israelites. The fear and disobedience for God among the people of Israel is another issue that the text discusses. The prophets dominating the period observed the rule of law and respect to God. Ideally, the books reveal the role of the prophet and leaders throughout the era (Spieckermann, 2012)
The term Deuteronomist is essential in understanding the former prophets. The term brings together the various books that concentrate on the life, power and fate, of these prophets. The former prophets were charged with the respect for law. In these books, fundamental of law are addressed at length. Just as Noth suggests, the atmosphere and voice depicted from the books is the same. In comparison to other texts in the Bible, the collection of literary work reinforces one another in the bid to let us understand the role and position of the former prophets among their people (Peterson, 2014).
In Deuteronomist history, there are various themes addressed. The theme of observance of the law is dominant. This theme goes hand in hand with the successes and failure consequences related to law. The need to observe the law and live along the ten commandments of Yahweh is voiced in the Texts. In the book of Joshua, the Israelites are promised of Canaan, a land of milk and honey. The fruits of Canaan were attached to the observance of law thus an expected reward. The entire tribe of Israel would succeed. In the book of Judges, we see that the Israelites begin to be unfaithful to Yahweh and as a result, they are left in the hands of their enemies. The book reports that the whole nation was to face the wrath of going against the law as directed by the former prophets.
Other major themes include monotheism, disobedience, and struggle against idolatry. Monotheism is the idea of worshipping one God. In the law books, the worship of Yahweh as one true God is stressed. Leaders like Moses and King David taught their people about the need to remain faithful in worshipping one true God. At Mount Sinai, Moses is given the Ten Commandments which the Israelites ended up disobeying by through worshipping idols. Moses and the prophets struggle to end idolatry which had dominated the land of Israelites. Despite the fact that Jerusalem was the center of worship, some people diverted to other alters where idols were recognized as gods (Peterson, 2014).
Conclusion
Ideally, the Deuteronomist history elaborates the contemporary life and role of the Israelites and the Prophets. Most of the texts stressed on the issue of law in a similar style and language. This suits the books to be grouped together as suggested by Martin Noth. The themes of success, failures, monotheism, disobedience, struggle against idolatry and observance of law dominates the collection of books.
Work cited
Introduction to Christianity; The Prophets and Writings-Lecture 2 notes.
Peterson, B. N. (014). The Authors of the Deuteronmistic history: Locating a tradition in ancient Israel. Fortress Press.
Spieckermann, H. (2012). Former Prophets: The Deuternomistic History. The Blackwell, Companion to the Hebrew Bible, 337-352.
