jahutites

The Jahwist or Jahutites, also known as the Jahwist source or the Episodic Structure, refers to a strand of narrative material in the Hebrew Bible that is thought to have been composed around the 7th century BCE. This source is one of the two main documentary hypotheses used to explain the composition of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

The Jahwist source is characterized by its use of narrative and oral traditions that emphasize the importance of the deity Yahweh. This source material often uses different Yahwistic names for God, such as "Jah" or "Yah", which are distinct from the Elohist source's use of "Elohim". The Jahwist source also often employs narrative parallels and variants, such as different accounts of creation, the flood, and the origins of Israel.

Scholars believe that the Jahwist source was composed in southern Judah, possibly around the time of King Hezekiah (circa 727-698 BCE). This source is thought to have been compiled from earlier oral traditions and written sources, and was edited and compiled by a group of scribes or redactors.

In terms of its historical significance, the Jahwist source is thought to provide insight into the early history and theology of ancient Israel. Its narrative traditions and themes reflect the cultural and social context of ancient Judah and Israel, and its distinct Yahwistic theology can be seen as a formative influence on the development of monotheistic Yahwism.

Despite its importance, the Jahwist source remains a topic of ongoing scholarly debate and discussion, with different interpretations of its authorship, chronology, and significance. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial part of the scholarly investigation of the Hebrew Bible and its historical development.