Multiple Redaction Theory. Like Seebass, Achenbach sees few signs of pre-Priestly material in Numbers. He argues for a three-stage model of redaction (Achenbach, Die Vollendung der Tora; “Die Erzählung”):

1. The first redaction pulled together diverse narrative fragments in the storyline of the Hexateuch and emphasized Israel’s constant apostasy. This was completed in the first half of the fifth century bc.

2. The second stage is what Achenbach calls the Pentateuchal Redaction, which presented a high view of Moses, as exemplified in Num 12:6–8. This redaction was performed in the latter half of the fifth century bc.

3. The final stage is called the Theocratic Revision; it is not a true redaction per se, but rather a spotty series of revisions with a strong Priestly emphasis. This revision was completed in the fourth century bc.

Many scholars accept the idea of multiple redactional stages but disagree about the details, such as how to divide the text, when its various stages were completed, and the criteria by which to divide pericopes.