P Source - The Priestly Source (8th-7th centuries BCE, Early P Model)

Geographic and Historical Context

  • Origin: Jerusalem Temple priestly circles and Levitical Traditions
  • Period: Pre-exilic temple establishment (per early dating model)
  • Institutional Setting: Connected to formal worship system
  • Historical Memory: Preserves ancient cultic traditions dating back to Tabernacle Period
  • Priestly Authority: High Priest and Levitical Priesthood institutional background

Literary Characteristics

  • Divine Names: Progressive revelation - Elohim → El Shaddai → YHWH
  • Style: Systematic, formal, repetitive, precise
  • God’s Character: Majestic, transcendent, sovereign creator
  • Language: Technical cultic vocabulary, genealogical formulas
  • Narrative Technique: Structured, chronological, schematic

Theological Themes

  • Creation Theology: Systematic, ordered creation by divine word
  • Holiness: Separation between sacred and profane
  • Covenant Structure: Formal covenants with cosmic scope
  • Ritual Purity: Detailed laws for maintaining holiness
  • Divine Sovereignty: God’s absolute control over history
  • Sabbath: Sacred time and cyclical worship patterns

Key Content in Torah

  • Creation: Genesis 1:1-2:4a (Seven-day creation)
  • Genealogies: Systematic family records (Genesis 5, 10, 11)
  • Flood: Chronological framework, covenant with Noah
  • Patriarchal Covenants: Formal covenant ceremonies
  • Tabernacle Instructions: Exodus 25-31, 35-40 (detailed construction plans)
  • Leviticus: Entire book - sacrificial system, purity laws, priestly duties
  • Priestly Ordination: Exodus 28-29, Leviticus 8-10 (Aaron and sons)
  • Numbers: Census data, tribal organization, ritual laws, Levitical duties
  • Day of Atonement: Leviticus 16 (high priestly ritual)

Distinctive Features

  • Aaronic Priesthood: Exclusive priestly authority through Aaron’s line
  • Levitical System: Detailed organization of Levitical clans and duties
  • Tabernacle Theology: God’s presence dwelling among people through portable sanctuary
  • High Priestly Role: Aaron as archetypal high priest with special vestments and duties
  • Genealogical Framework: Systematic family and tribal records
  • Calendar Systems: Precise dating, festival cycles
  • Cosmic Scope: Universal rather than merely national perspective
  • Ritual Precision: Exact procedures for sacrifices, purification, ordination
  • Sacred Space: Detailed blueprints for tabernacle construction and layout

Holiness Code (H)

  • Leviticus 17-26: Special subsection within P
  • Ethical Holiness: Combines ritual and moral requirements
  • Land Theology: Connection between purity and dwelling in promised land
  • Social Justice: Care for poor, stranger, widow, orphan