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Examples of the Elohist source

The article examines the biblical passages often attributed to the Elohist source, which uses the divine name Elohim and presents God appearing in dreams. It covers accounts such as those of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and Moses, detailing their distinctive elements.

6 min Elohist Elohim Bible dream angel 7 verses 2 books

Examples of the Elohist source

Here are some biblical passages often attributed to the Elohist source (E). This source mainly uses the divine name Elohim and is distinguished by a more formal style and by accounts in which God reveals himself through dreams and angels.

Genesis 20.1-18: the story of Abraham and Abimelech. God (Elohim) appears to Abimelech in a dream to warn him against taking Sarah, Abraham's wife.
Genesis 21.8-21: the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. God (Elohim) hears the child's cries and sends an angel to comfort Hagar and show her a well of water.
Genesis 22.1-19: the sacrifice of Isaac. God (Elohim) tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but an angel of God stops him at the last moment.
Genesis 28.10-22: Jacob's dream at Bethel. God (Elohim) appears to Jacob in a dream and promises him the land on which he is sleeping, as well as many descendants.
Genesis 31.1-55: Jacob's flight from Laban's house. God (Elohim) appears to Laban in a dream and orders him not to harm Jacob. Jacob then recounts how God (Elohim) guided him throughout his stay with Laban.
Exodus 1.1-2.25: the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. This passage describes the rise of Moses and the call of God (Elohim) to free his people.
Exodus 3.1-15 (in part): the call of Moses. God (Elohim) speaks to Moses through the burning bush, although this passage also contains elements of the .

These examples are based on the analysis of the linguistic and theological characteristics attributed to the Elohist source. The precise attribution may vary depending on scholars' interpretations.