Leviticus 17 as a bridge between P and H, with a twist of D?

Abstract

There seems to be an emerging consensus that the Holiness Code is later than Leviticus 1-16. The latter is usually regarded as a part of the Priestly text (P). In the European context Pentateuch scholars such as Otto, Grünwaldt and Nihan currently seem to agree on this and they follow in the footsteps of earlier scholars such as Elliger and Cholewinski. Yet from a Jewish perspective the same seems to be true of the work of scholars such as Knohl and the late Jacob Milgrom. Both these groups would agree that the Holiness Code was written after P, but they differ on one important issue - the relationship with Deuteronomy. In the light of this broader debate this article focuses on Leviticus 17, especially as a kind of hinge between P and H, but also on its relationship with the book of Deuteronomy. The paper especially engages with the opposing views of Milgrom and Otto. For the latter there are clear signs of reception of Deuteronomy 12 in Leviticus 17. For the former the relation is the other way around.