The Graf - Wellhausen thesis

J: J-source (Jahwist)

(950 -850 BCE)

YHWH as name of God
Mt. Sinai is God's mountain
pre-israelite inhabitants of Palestine are called "Canaanites"
vivid, concrete, colorful style
anthropomorphic portrayal of God

E: E-source (Elohist)

(900 - 750 BCE)

Elohim as name of God (at least before revelation of name YHWH in Exod 3:15)
Mt. Horeb is God's mountain
pre-israelite inhabitants of Palestine are called "Amorites"
language less colorful and vivd than J.
Avoidance of anthropomorphic language to describe God

D Deuteronomic source

(620s BCE)

certain phrases used with high frequency (be careful to do, etc.)

P: Priestly tradition

(450 BCE)

Interest in worship
categorizing, systematizing accounts
love of detail and repetition
listing of detailed information (tribes, genealogies)
emphasizes importance of priests, ritual