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HIST 282/JWST234History of Jews and Judaism IGenesis 6:11–9:17The Documentary HypothesisIn this exercise we read the Bible as biblical scholars do, and try to figure out what thosescholars mean when they say that parts of the Bible was edited from multiple sources.The dominant theory of how this applies to the Pentateuch (Torah) is sometimes called“the documentary hypothesis” (i.e., the hypothesis that the Torah is edited from“documents”). According to this approach, at least four strands can be identified in thetext of the Pentateuch: J (for the name of God that in European spelling was written“Jehovah”; it is usually represented in Bible translations as “Lord”), E (for the divinename Elohim); P (the “Priestly” source); and D (closely associated with the book ofDeuteronomy). This exercise uses the flood story of Genesis (6:1–9:17). According to theDocumentary Hypothesis the sources involved are P and J.1. First, read through the entire story. Then locate verses with the two different names ofGod that are used in these passages (“God” vs. “Lord”). Notice that in 7:1–5 (“Lord”)Noah is supposed to take seven pairs of the “clean” and “unclean” (other translations“pure” and “impure”) animals. How many does he take in 7:8–9 (“God”)? It is this kindof difference that Biblical scholars point to when they argue that at least some portions ofthe Bible are edited (“redacted”) from more than one source. [For source critics, the“God” passages here are P not E; the “Lord” passages are, as you might expect, J.]2. Using the table below, locate passages that appear to differ in the same way, or thatseem to repeat elements of the story. For instance: (1) How long must we assume theflood lasted in “God” passages (e.g., 8:4, 14, see also 7:11)? How long does 8:6–12imply? This is an example of difference, or contradiction. (2) In both 6:17 and 7:4 thecoming flood is announced to Noah. This is a possible example of duplication. If you canassociate the elements that you find with the specific use of a name of God put it in the“God” or “Lord” column; if not, put it in “Can’t identify.”We’ve begun the table for you by entering the examples discussed above (add otherexamples of clean/unclean animals that you find).3. Having completed the table, consider whether there are any consistent patterns in theseparate “stories” associated with “God” and “Lord” respectively. Can any of thepassages in the “Can’t identify” column be associated with one or the other of the“stories”? Would it make sense to argue (note, we are not asking you if it is true) that aneditor has used two different sources in creating our story of the flood? 4. For further reference see:- Handout on Documentary Hypothesis- Jewish Study Bible 1–7; 22–23 (to the Noah story); 358–359; 401–402 (onPassover in Deuteronomy)- Richard Elliot Friedman, Who Wrote the Bible?Name:______________Section:______________HIST 282/JWST234History of Jews and Judaism I“God” “Lord” Can’t identifyClean/Unclean animals not distinguished (7:8-9) distinguished (7:2–3)Determination to bring FloodCharacter of NoahAnnouncement of the flood6:17 7:4Noah/family enter the arkLength of the flood 150 days + (ultimately a year and 10 days) (8:4, 14)40 + how many? (8:6–12)Concern with fixed dates (days, months, years) and chronologyDoes Noah sacrifice? (Note: is this consistent with clean/unclean distinction?)Does the story use the term


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UMD HIST 282 - The Documentary Hypothesis

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