Prolegomena to the History of Ancient Israel

In "Prolegomena to the History of Ancient Israel," Julius Wellhausen, a pioneering biblical scholar and historian, presents his seminal analysis of the Hebrew Bible. Wellhausen introduces the Documentary Hypothesis, suggesting that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) is composed of various sources that were written at different times and later compiled. Through critical examination of the texts, he identifies four primary sources: J (Jahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), and P (Priestly). This groundbreaking work not only revolutionized the field of biblical criticism but also provided significant insights into the historical, religious, and social evolution of ancient Israel. The "Prolegomena" remains a foundational text for scholars and students of biblical studies, ancient history, and theology.