Insight 14 - Detail in Torah
The considerable detail often encountered in the Torah supports its authenticity and truth
In the reported South African judgment of Breitenbach v Fiat SA (Edms) Bpk 1976 (2) SA 226 (T) Judge Colman, with whom Judges Nicholas and Eloff concurred, asked at 228 G – H why courts look with suspicion at “bald, vague or sketchy” evidence but are more impressed with detail. His answer was that a brief, bald and vague statement is easier to defend by a dishonest witness than is a detailed one, and that accordingly such a witness “will present as narrow a front as possible, and (if it is practicable) a blurred one”.
These wise words are relevant to much of the detailed material contained in the Five Books. Examples are the very detailed description relating to the making of the Tabernacle or Sanctuary and also that of the priestly garments and sacrifices contained in Exodus, Chapter 25 verse 3 – Chapter 29 verse 28. The inclusion of all this detail would be most improbable if the story were false. The same applies to the detailed exposition in Numbers, Chapter 33 verse 1 – 49 of the journeys of the Children of Israel during their sojourn in the desert, including the names of all the 42 places at which they camped. Podcast ChaiFM - Insight 14
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