Deuteronomy is traditionally dated to around the 13th century BC, in keeping with Moses as its author and with the book’s presentation as his final speeches to Israel. Many critical scholars, however, date the book—or its final form—to the 7th century BC, linking it to a scroll found in the temple.
Traditional date
The traditional view places the writing of Deuteronomy around the 13th century BC. This dating follows the traditional attribution of the book to Moses, understood as gathering his final speeches to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. On this view, Deuteronomy belongs to Moses’ lifetime and reflects his farewell addresses to the people of Israel.
Traditional authorship
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses. The book is presented as Moses’ addresses on the plains of Moab, and it includes the statement that Moses wrote “this law” (
Deuteronomy 31:9
). Taken together, these features are part of the evidence used for the traditional dating, because they depict the book as arising from Moses’ direct instruction to Israel near the end of his leadership.
Later additions noted
Even within the traditional framework, one element is treated as clearly later: the account of Moses’ death in chapter 34. The author note states that this section “was clearly added by a later hand.” This does not, by itself, settle the question of when the rest of Deuteronomy was written, but it is a specific acknowledgement that the book as it now stands includes at least one later addition.
Critical dating view
Many critical scholars propose a much later date for Deuteronomy, or at least for its final form: the 7th century BC. This approach is connected in the provided facts to “a scroll found in the temple in the 7th century BC.” In this view, the book’s present shape is linked to that period rather than being placed wholly in the 13th century BC.
What kind of book
Deuteronomy is described as the fifth book of the Law. Its content is summarized as Moses’ farewell speeches to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Its stated audience is the people of Israel. These features help explain why the question of dating is tied so closely to Moses and to the setting on the plains of Moab: the book frames itself as a final set of addresses aimed at Israel at a decisive moment just before entry into the Promised Land.
Why dates differ
The difference between the traditional and critical dates follows directly from differing assessments of the book’s relationship to Moses and to later history. The traditional position aligns the writing with Moses and therefore places it around the 13th century BC. The critical position, as summarized in the facts, connects Deuteronomy (or its final form) to a 7th-century BC temple scroll. Alongside these two major proposals, the note about chapter 34 being added later shows that at least some material is recognized as not originating from Moses’ own hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Deuteronomy written?
Traditionally it is dated around the 13th century BC, following Moses as its author. Many critical scholars date the book, or its final form, to the 7th century BC, linking it to a scroll found in the temple.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
It is traditionally attributed to Moses, understood as gathering his final speeches to Israel. The book is presented as Moses’ addresses on the plains of Moab, and it says that Moses wrote “this law” (Deuteronomy 31:9).
Was any part written later than Moses?
Yes. The account of Moses’ death in chapter 34 is described as clearly added by a later hand.
What evidence supports Moses as author?
The facts given point to the book’s self-presentation: it is framed as Moses’ addresses on the plains of Moab, and it includes the statement that Moses wrote “this law” (Deuteronomy 31:9).
What is Deuteronomy about and who was it for?
It is the fifth book of the Law and contains Moses’ farewell speeches to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Its audience is identified as the people of Israel.