Final answer:
The Old Testament was written over a span of approximately 1000 years, reflecting a complex interplay of religious, historical, and cultural developments in Hebrew society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Composition Period of the Old Testament
The Old Testament was written over a period of approximately 1000 years. Beginning with elements that date back to around 1200 BCE, when archeological evidence suggests the Hebrews started settling in Canaan, and including texts attributed to Moses around the exodus from Egypt. Substantive religious reforms in the seventh century BCE, under Judean King Josiah, saw the compilation of important texts like the Torah in 621 BCE. Historians assert that the Hebrew Bible was written some 400 – 600 years after the events it describes, with some of the final texts being written as late as 400 CE.
The journey towards monotheism is a critical part of Hebrew history. The Bible indicates that this began with Abraham entering into a covenant with Yahweh around 2100 BCE. However, strict monotheism was imposed by King Josiah and is reflected in the Hebrew Bible's first books, suggesting a more gradual evolution towards the practice.
As we consider the historical period of the writings and the significance of the Torah and other reforms, it's clear that the Old Testament reflects a complex interplay of religious, historical, and cultural developments over the course of a millennium.