Square text
The Priority of the Hebrew Square Text
The Hebrew square script used in the Old Testament (especially in the Torah) holds a pivotal place in understanding the historical and divine nature of biblical texts. Some scholars have suggested that this script only emerged after the Babylonian exile, but the case for its prior existence is strong, with compelling evidence pointing to its use before the Babylonian period.
One argument is that the square script may have survived the exile and was preserved in the same form, but its roots likely trace back to pre-Babel times, long before the Israelites were influenced by Babylonian culture. This would suggest that the Hebrew script, used to write sacred texts, is not the product of foreign influence but rather divinely inspired and passed down through generations, even before the events of Babel and the scattering of nations.
P.J. Wiseman, in his theory of Primitive Hebrew Writing, argues that ancient Hebrew writing existed in a form similar to the square script long before the Babylonian exile. He suggests that the script was passed down through the generations, from the time of the patriarchs like Abraham and Moses, who would have had access to these writings. This continuity of writing systems supports the idea that the biblical accounts of Creation and the Flood are historical records, rather than mythological stories influenced by neighboring cultures.
Jewish tradition further affirms the sacred status of these texts. The Hebrew Bible has always been seen as the sacred text of the Jewish people, set apart from the writings of surrounding cultures. The Creation and Flood narratives, for example, are not presented as myths or allegories, but as historical events. Unlike the mythological stories found in other ancient civilizations, the biblical narratives are grounded in real history, recorded by faithful scribes and preserved in sacred texts.
Another important aspect of the Hebrew script is its symbolism. The formation of Hebrew letters—particularly the Aleph (א), which can be understood as a visual representation of God's authority and creation—points to a divine origin rather than a gradual evolution by man. This divine structure of the text, along with its preservation throughout history, reinforces the idea that the sacred Hebrew script predates other writing systems and represents the eternal truth of God's word.
In conclusion, the priority of the Hebrew square text suggests that the biblical writings were preserved in their original form long before the Babylonian exile, standing in contrast to mythological narratives from other cultures. This highlights the divine authority of the scriptures and their historical accuracy, which have remained intact through generations of faithful preservation. The Hebrew square script is not merely a cultural artifact; it is a testament to the sacredness and authenticity of God's revealed truth.
