At the same time, there is insufficient ground for doubting the substantial accuracy of the narratives, properly interpreted. The modern critical view has furnished a strong argument in support of their general trustworthiness. Leaving aside the late P; the older documents J and E offer two independent descriptions of the patriarchal age, one written in Judah, the other in Israel, which, though differing in de tails, are in fundamental agreement in their representation of early events. In other words, the traditions of north and south appear to go back to what R. Kittel has called ga firm nucleus of consistent tradition.'" At any rate, the later history of Israel presupposes a nomadic stage in the people's development such as is described in Genesis xii-1, and there seems good rea son for believing that the narratives furnish a truthful picture of general conditions in the patriarchal period. In other words, the patriarchal narratives, though they may con tain historical inaccuracies and discrepancies and even legendary elements, are still of con siderable value as historical documents.
Moreover, the religious value of the narra tives remains undiminished. '
ways in which God deals with the individual soul, and the manner in which the individual soul ought, or ought not, to respond to His
Historically, as well as religiously, therefore, the patriarchal narratives are of per manent value and significance.
Bibliography.— In addition to those already mentioned the following works in English may be named: Bacon, B. W.,