Final answer:
The Documentary Hypothesis posits that the Torah is a compilation of texts from different sources, identified as J, E, P, and D, which were written over several centuries and redacted post-Babylonian exile, traditionally by Ezra the Scribe.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Documentary Hypothesis, the Torah was not the work of a single author, but a compilation of texts from different sources. Four main sources are identified, each with their own characteristics and historical contexts, codenamed J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), P (Priestly), and D (Deuteronomist). The hypothesis suggests that the J source originated in the southern Kingdom of Judah, while E came from the northern Kingdom of Israel. The P source is associated with the priesthood in Jerusalem, and the D source is linked to reforms under King Josiah.
This scholarly model emerged due to the recognition of different writing styles, inconsistencies, and duplicate stories within the Torah. It posits that these texts were written over several centuries, starting from around the time of King Josiah's reforms in the 7th century BCE. The final compilation and redaction of these sources are attributed to the period following the Babylonian exile, traditionally linked to Ezra the Scribe.
The Documentary Hypothesis also correlates with the historical experience of the Hebrew people, who after the Exodus became committed to monotheism and later developed their religious customs and writings throughout various periods, including the Babylonian Captivity. This ensured that the preservation of their religious identity would endure, facilitating Judaism as a 'mobile tradition.' Despite modern challenges to historical authenticity, the hypothesis remains a fundamental framework for understanding the origins of the Torah.