Elohist

Definition

The Elohist refers to one of the sources identified in the Documentary Hypothesis, which suggests that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) is derived from multiple authors or sources. This particular source is characterized by its use of the term 'Elohim' to refer to God and often emphasizes themes of prophecy and the covenant between God and Israel.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Elohist source is believed to have been written in the northern kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BCE.
2. This source often emphasizes the role of prophetic figures such as Moses and uses dreams and visions as means of divine communication.
3. Elohist writings typically show a more formal language style compared to other sources and focus on themes like faithfulness to God’s covenant.
4. The Elohist source contributes significantly to narratives found in Genesis and Exodus, particularly those concerning Joseph and the Exodus story.
5. Scholars have identified passages in the Pentateuch that can be attributed to the Elohist due to its distinct vocabulary and theological perspectives.

Review Questions

• How does the Elohist source differ from other sources in the Documentary Hypothesis?
  • The Elohist source differs from others like the Yahwist primarily in its terminology and themes. While it uses 'Elohim' to refer to God, the Yahwist source uses 'Yahweh.' Additionally, the Elohist focuses more on prophetic elements and covenantal themes, often depicting God communicating through visions or dreams. This contrast reflects varying theological perspectives within the biblical texts.
• Discuss how the historical context of the northern kingdom of Israel influenced the characteristics of the Elohist source.
  • The historical context of the northern kingdom of Israel significantly shaped the Elohist source's characteristics. Written during a time when Israel was experiencing political instability and cultural challenges, this source reflects a need for unity among tribes and emphasizes God's covenant with Israel as a means to strengthen identity. The emphasis on prophets in Elohist narratives also highlights a response to societal needs for guidance amid turmoil.
• Evaluate the impact of identifying the Elohist as a distinct source on our understanding of biblical authorship and composition.
  • Identifying the Elohist as a distinct source has profoundly impacted our understanding of biblical authorship and composition. It suggests that rather than being written by a single author, the Torah is a composite work influenced by various traditions and theological viewpoints. This recognition helps scholars appreciate the complexity of biblical texts, revealing layers of meaning and historical context that inform how different communities understood their relationship with God throughout history.

Related terms

Documentary Hypothesis: A scholarly theory that proposes the Torah was derived from four main sources: Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly, each contributing different perspectives and theological emphases.

Yahwist: Another source identified in the Documentary Hypothesis, known for its use of the name 'Yahweh' for God and a more anthropomorphic depiction of the deity.

Pentateuch: The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses, which includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.