J Source - The Yahwist (10th-9th centuries BCE)

Geographic and Historical Context

  • Origin: Southern Kingdom of Judah
  • Period: United Monarchy to early Divided Kingdom
  • Court Setting: Likely connected to Solomonic Court or southern royal circles
  • Perspective: Pro-Judah, pro-Davidic Dynasty

Literary Characteristics

  • Divine Name: Uses YHWH (Yahweh/LORD) from the beginning
  • Style: Vivid, concrete, anthropomorphic narratives
  • God’s Character: Personal, emotional, walks in gardens, regrets decisions
  • Language: Earthy, psychological, dramatic storytelling
  • Narrative Technique: Character development, dialogue-heavy, intimate scenes

Theological Themes

  • Anthropomorphic Deity: God with human-like qualities and emotions
  • Individual Relationships: Focus on personal encounters with God
  • Moral Concerns: Ethics, human nature, consequences of sin
  • Covenant Relationship: Informal, personal agreements with patriarchs
  • Human-Soil Connection: Emphasis on relationship between humanity (Adam) and ground (Adamah)

Key Content in Torah

  • Creation: Genesis 2:4b-3:24 (Garden of Eden, Fall)
  • Primeval History: Cain and Abel, Cain’s genealogy, some flood material
  • Patriarchal Narratives: Majority of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob stories
  • Exodus: Moses’ call, plagues, Sinai theophany elements
  • Wilderness: Rebellion narratives, spy story

Distinctive Features

  • Geographic Markers: Mentions southern locations (Hebron, Beersheba)
  • Cultic Sites: Multiple legitimate worship locations
  • Tribal Concerns: Particularly interested in Judah’s prominence
  • Edom Relations: Complex relationship with neighboring Edom