The First Book of God

In this book the author thoroughly examines the pentateuchal elohistic source, its structural unity and its relationship to the yahwistic source. His conclusions differ considerably from the accepted paradigm in the following ways: 1) In contrast to current scholarly opinions, it is assumed that E is the first basic pentateuchal source and that it predates J. J functions as Es first supplementary redactor much as F. M. Cross, among others, conceived of Ps redaction of J. 2) The name Elohim is used exclusively by the elohistic source even after Exodus 3 while the verses in Exodus 3 revealing Yahwehs name can be shown to be later additions. 3) Instead of the fragmentary source described by scholars, this study demonstrates the literary unity of E.