Disparate and Distinctive

This chapter explores source- and redaction-critical questions arising at the edges, or »hinterland« of Jürg Hutzli's monograph, »The Origins of P.« Noting Hutzli's stress on both the »disparate« and »distinctive« elements of the character of the Priestly writing, the chapter teases out some of the challenges involved in defining a body of writing that is acknowledged as variegated, while also held to be readily distinguishable from writing with which it has been blended. The chapter presents a case study on Genesis 26, which is usually classified as »non‑Priestly« (with the exception of verses 34-35). This serves as a way to consider the complications introduced by later layers of Priestly writing that evidence the influence of other writing traditions, including those found in Deuteronomy. Directions for future inquiry are identified.