Since the idea was first put forward by W.M.L de Wette in 1805, most scholars have accepted that this core was composed in Jerusalem in the 7th century BCE in the context of religious reforms advanced by King Josiah (reigned 641–609 BCE), although some have argued for a later date, either during the Babylonian ...

Who wrote Deuteronomy and why?

Who wrote this book? Moses is the author of Deuteronomy. Throughout the book we see Moses fulfilling his divinely appointed role as “the great law-giver of Israel” (D&C 138:41). Moses was also a prototype of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (see Deuteronomy 18:15–19).

What was the date of Deuteronomy?

An early edition of Deuteronomy as it exists today has been identified with the book of the Law discovered in the Temple of Jerusalem about 622 bc (2 Kings 22:8; 2 Chronicles 34:15). This early edition, corresponding roughly to chapters 5–26 and 28 of Deuteronomy as it now stands, expresses a cultic liturgy.