Genesis 1 and the Priestly Agenda

Abstract

The Priestly creation narrative of Gen. 1.1–2.4 is generally interpreted as a self-contained theological or historical exercise. Abstract exercises are alien, however, to the Priestly style. This article suggests the possibility that the author was a member of the Holiness School and that his purpose was to establish the philosophical foundation of the Holiness Code (H) by declaring that man is God's image, and therefore has the potential to become holy. The creation narrative sets the stage for the centerpiece of H, the dietary law of Leviticus 11. Usually attributed to P, this law shows itself to belong to H, and in fact to be one of the cornerstones of H's ideology. Intent on showing how world history was a preparation for the revelation of the laws of holiness at Sinai, the author of H emerges as one of the most important of the Hebrew Bible's author-redactors.