This chapter summarizes the results of the study of the Deuteronomistic History in Part I. Analysis of the Deuteronomistic History indicates at least three levels of composition: an eighth century b.c.e. Hezekian edition of the work that was designed to portray righteous Davidic rule over the rebellious northern tribes; a seventh century b.c.e. Josianic edition of the work that was designed to support Josiah's reform by portraying him as the ideal monarch of the entire Davidic line; and a sixth‐century Exilic edition of the work that was designed to explain the Babylonian exile.

This chapter summarizes the results of the study of the Deuteronomistic History in Part I. Analysis of the Deuteronomistic History indicates at least three levels of composition: an eighth century b.c.e. Hezekian edition of the work that was designed to portray righteous Davidic rule over the rebellious northern tribes; a seventh century b.c.e. Josianic edition of the work that was designed to support Josiah's reform by portraying him as the ideal monarch of the entire Davidic line; and a sixth‐century Exilic edition of the work that was designed to explain the Babylonian exile.