Because of its relation to the reforms of Josiah, the Book of Deuteronomy (albeit not necessarily in exactly the version before us) is the only major part of the Pentateuch whose date post quem (i.e., the date by which it had been composed) can be dated with some degree of certainty (late 7th century BCE).

Was Deuteronomy written by Josiah?

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 is the author of Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy, Hebrew Devarim, (“Words”), fifth book of the Old Testament, written in the form of a farewell address by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land of Canaan.