How Jewish Leaders in the 2nd Century A.C.E. Decided Which Books Would Be Included in the Tanakh

The Genesis of the Tanakh

The Tanakh, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is one of the most enigmatic yet influential texts in world religion. Its formation, however, presented a unique challenge: deciding which religious texts would form the foundational scriptures of Judaism. This decision was ultimately made by Jewish leaders in the 2nd century A.C.E. (Before the Common Era).

Early Recognition and Late Sanctioning

The historical accuracy and acceptability of various books were shaped over time. The earlier books, including the Pentateuch (the first five books), were long recognized and mentioned in the ancient world. However, the process of determining the later books was more complex. It appears that some books, such as those attributed to Ezra and Nehemiah, were initially sanctioned by Ezra himself but reflected the common thought of the time. These books were likely updated or revised later on, as evidenced by certain references that point to events after Ezra's time.

The Case of Ezra and Nehemiah

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, in particular, present an interesting case. Ezra was a contemporary of the Babylonian exile and returned to Jerusalem to serve as a religious and political leader. He is credited with restoring the Jewish religious practices and possibly with editing or compiling the earlier parts of the Tanakh. However, the inclusion of later chapters, such as Nehemiah 12:22, which refers to Darius Codomanus, who was well after Ezra's time, suggests that additional revisions were made despite Ezra's initial work.

The Role of Rabbeinu HaQadosh

Among the Jewish leaders who played pivotal roles in this decision-making process was Rabbeinu HaQadosh. This sage and scholar, also known as the retelling of Rabbeinu Tam, contributed significantly to the understanding and formation of the Tanakh. Rabbeinu HaQadosh's commentary, often found in the Benson Commentary, provided insights into the historical and textual accuracy of the scriptures. His work helped to clarify which books were originally included and which might have been added later.

Conclusion

The process of deciding which books would be included in the Tanakh was a long and complex one. Jewish leaders in the 2nd century A.C.E. played a crucial role in this canonization process, ensuring that the texts that were chosen were both historically accurate and spiritually significant. While some books like Ezra and Nehemiah were initially sanctioned by Ezra, many were later revised or updated to reflect the evolving religious thought of the time. Rabbeinu HaQadosh's contributions helped to preserve the integrity of these scriptures, providing context and clarity for future generations.