The Pentateuch in the Twentieth Century: The Legacy of Julius Wellhausen

Despite innumerable studies from at least the time of the Reformation, it was not until little more than a century ago that one hypothesis concerning the origin of the Pentateuch, the so-called `Documentary Theory' formulated by Julius Wellhausen, established itself as the point of departure for all subsequent study of this topic. This has remained so until recently, but during the past twenty-five years the study of the Pentateuch has been once more in turmoil, and new theories have proliferated. This book arises from the conviction that much in current Pentateuchal research needs to be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and that much, indeed, is radically mistaken. Professor Nicholson argues that the work of Wellhausen, for all that it needs revision and development in detail, remains the securest basis for understanding the Pentateuch. The book is not a mere call to go `back to Wellhausen', however, for Professor Nicholson also shows that much in the intervening debate has significantly modified his conclusions, as well as asking questions that were not on Wellhausen's agenda. But the Documentary Hypothesis should remain our primary point of reference, and it alone provides the most dependable perspective from which to approach this most difficult of areas in the study of the Old Testament.

Table of Contents:
Part I: From Julius Wellhausen to Martin Noth1: The Documents of the Pentateuch 2: Behind the Documents of the Pentateuch 3: From Tradition to Literature Part II: The Problem of the Pentateuch in Current Research4: The Theory Under Attack: Rolf Rendtorff's New Paradigm of the Origin of the Pentatecuh 5: Attempts to Redate the 'Yahwist' 6: New Proposals Concerning the First Tetrateuch and its Sources 7: Renewed Debate about P 8: The Documentary Theory Revisited 9: Understanding the Final Form of the Pentateuch

About the Author :
Ernest Nicholson is Provost of Oriel College, Oxford

Review :
`Review from previous edition the publication of this book is quite welcome. Nicholson does not merely survey the history of the field ... He reviews many studies in great detail and subjects their assumptions, their reasoning, and their treatment of sample passages to a close analysis. This well-written book is both crucial reading for Pentateuch specialists and an excellent aid for other biblicists who need to keep abreast of the revolutions and counter-revolutions that have taken place in Pentateuchal criticism.' Benjamin D. Sommer, Review of Biblical Literature. `This book ... treats the gamut of modern Christian scholarship on the Pentateuch in the last two centuries, and this comprehensive approach proves extremely useful.' Benjamin D. Sommer, Review of Biblical Literature. `the book genuinely helps make recent challenges to the Documentary Hypothesis more accessible even as it defends the older view.' Benjamin D. Sommer, Review of Biblical Literature. Regardless of whether one agrees with Nicholson's judgements ... his comprehensive analysis of modern Christian scholarship on the Pentateuch renders this book crucial to all further discussion; the book must be placed on reading lists for all graduate students and scholars. `Throughout the book he is in dialogue with the major scholars in the biblical field. Though most of them are German, their positions are carefully explained so that the reader will readily understand the argument ... the book should be in theological libraries.' The Bible Today, vol 37, No 5 September/October 1999 `It is a clearly written description of a complicated topic. The volume is a significant contribution to contemporary Pentateuchal studies.' W. H. Bellinger, Jr, Religious Studies Review