The Different Literary Profiles of P

The literary profile of the Priestly writings varies across the various sections within its strand. On the one hand, there are self-contained units that form a continuous literary stratum. On the other hand, certain sections are characterized by brief, isolated statements that, when put together, constitute an extremely incomplete layer. This striking difference in profile is best explained by two distinct stages in the formation of the Priestly texts. Yet, this conclusion conflicts with most scholars' estimation that the Priestly texts in Genesis and Exodus form a unified literary work. Nevertheless, a close analysis of these texts reveals discrepancies in language, composition, and theology. The present contribution highlights these discrepancies and draws redaction-historical conclusions from them. These conclusions are confirmed by the examination of the historical locations of some Priestly texts, as well as by considering the material aspects of the redaction process.