The process of selecting the books of the Old Testament for inclusion in the canon was complex and took place over several centuries. Here are the key steps and considerations involved in this process:
1. Historical Development
- Early Use and Tradition: The books that eventually became part of the Old Testament were initially used and preserved by different communities of faith in ancient Israel. These texts were valued for their religious, historical, and moral teachings.
- Oral Tradition: Many of the stories and teachings in the Old Testament were passed down orally before being written down. This oral tradition was vital in preserving the content and ensuring its transmission through generations.
2. Writing and Compilation
- Authorship and Compilation: Various authors and editors wrote and compiled the texts over a long period, ranging from around 1200 BCE to 100 BCE. These texts were often attributed to significant figures like Moses, David, Solomon, and the prophets.
- Historical Events: Significant historical events, such as the Babylonian Exile (586-539 BCE), influenced the writing and compilation of many texts, prompting the need to preserve the community’s traditions and teachings in written form.
3. Community Acceptance
- Religious Authority: Books were accepted based on their perceived divine inspiration and authority. Texts that were believed to convey God’s revelation and were associated with recognized religious leaders or prophets gained acceptance.
- Liturgical Use: The use of texts in worship and religious practices contributed to their acceptance. Books that were regularly read and used in the temple, synagogues, and other religious settings were more likely to be considered authoritative.
4. Council Decisions
- Jewish Canon: By around 90 CE, Jewish religious leaders held discussions at the Council of Jamnia (Yavneh) to debate the status of various texts. While not a formal council that “closed” the canon, it reflected ongoing discussions about which books should be considered sacred. The result was the affirmation of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, which correspond to the 39 books of the Protestant Old Testament.
- Septuagint: The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Septuagint (LXX), included additional books not found in the Hebrew canon. These books, later known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, were accepted in varying degrees by different Christian traditions.
5. Criteria for Inclusion
- Apostolic Endorsement: Early Christians often accepted texts that were quoted or referenced by Jesus and the apostles, giving them additional credibility.
- Consistency of Doctrine: Books that aligned with the established teachings and beliefs of the faith community were more likely to be included.
- Widespread Use: Texts that were widely used and accepted across different Jewish and Christian communities had a greater chance of being included in the canon.
6. Final Canonization
- Christian Old Testament: Different Christian traditions eventually settled on slightly different canons. The Protestant Old Testament mirrors the Hebrew Bible, while the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testaments include the Apocryphal or Deuterocanonical books.
- Council of Trent: In response to the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its canon, including the Deuterocanonical books, at the Council of Trent in the mid-16th century.
In summary, the selection of the books for the Old Testament canon involved a combination of tradition, religious authority, communal acceptance, and doctrinal consistency over many centuries.
