Determining the absolute earliest book of the Bible is tricky because it depends on what you mean by "earliest." There are two main ways to interpret this:
1. Earliest written down:
* Based on current scholarly consensus, the earliest material in the Bible to be written down is likely poetry and prose found in various books, especially within Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. These are believed to have circulated orally for generations before being committed to writing.
* It's tough to pinpoint an exact book as the "earliest" because these fragments were likely parts of different sources or traditions that were later woven into the larger books we have today.
2. Earliest as in which book describes the earliest events:
* If you mean which book describes the earliest events in biblical history, the answer is Genesis. Genesis tells the story of creation, the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, and the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, it's important to remember that Genesis is a theological narrative, not a historical record in the modern sense.
Important Considerations:
* Dating is complex and debated: Biblical dating is notoriously difficult, and scholars have different views on when various parts of the Bible were written.
* Oral Tradition: The Bible is based on oral traditions passed down for generations. So, while Genesis might contain the earliest *stories*, those stories existed in oral form long before they were written.
* Multiple Authors and Editors: Many books of the Bible are thought to have been compiled and edited over time by multiple authors and editors. This makes it difficult to pinpoint a single date or author.
In summary:
* If you're asking about the earliest *written* portions, it's likely bits and pieces found scattered throughout the Pentateuch and early historical books.
* If you're asking which book recounts the earliest *events*, it's Genesis.