How Did The Book Survive?

The Bible writers did not engrave their words on stone; neither did they inscribe them on durable clay tablets. They evidently recorded their words on perishable materials-papyrus (made from the Egyptian plant of the same name) and parchment (made from the skins of animals).

What happened the original writings? They probably disintegrated long ago, most of them in ancient Israel. Scholar Oscar Paret explains: "Both of these writing mediums [papyrus and leather] are in the same strong measure endangered by humidity, by mold, by various maggots. We know from daily experience how easily paper, and even strong leather, deteriorates in the open air or in a damp room."

If the originals no longer exist, then how did the words of the Bible writers survive to our day?

Next time: Preserved By Meticulous Copyists

A Book For All People, 1997