Scholars have long attempted to explain how the Pentateuch was put together. According to the predominant theory--the documentary hypothesis--the material in these books, which varies in historical and theological points of view, came from four hypothetical sources designated as J, E, D, and P. Answering the increasing scholarly call to rethink this theory, Antony Campbell and Mark O'Brien offer a revolutionary explanation for the development of plurality and multiplicity within the text.

Antony F. Campbell, S. J. is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Jesuit Theological College within the United Faculty of Theology in Parkville, Australia. He has coauthored books such as Sources of the Pentateuch and Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History.