Two Views of History in the Hebrew Bible

Priestly view (P)

• The Covenant with the Hebrews is unconditional and is periodically renewed in succeeding generations
• A series of divine covenants: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc.
• G-d is active in history; purposes not always clear at the time, but the divine plan unfolds nevertheless
• The "Tent of Meeting" (mishkan) is central in priestly tradition: G-d dwells among the people
• The people therefore must be holy in order for G-d to dwell in their midst
• G-d is Israel's king; this relationship sets the people apart from other nations

Deuteronomist view (D)

• The Covenant with the Hebrews is conditional upon the people's behavior
• Each generation must choose to renew or repudiate the covenant
• Obedience to G-d results in material well-being; disobedience insures disaster

Underlying both views:

1. G-d is the author of history and G-d's actions can plainly be detected throughout history (if not right away, eventually)

2. G-d controls the actions of other nations