Sailhamer, John H. The Pentateuch As Narrative Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.
Introduction, “Interpreting the Pentateuch” pp. 1-79
Part G, “The Structure of the Pentateuch” p. 33
Sailhamer divides the Pentateuch essentially into three segments. First, in Genesis 1-11 he traces Primeval history. In Genesis 12-15 he cites the patriarchs. From Exodus, and particular chapter 20 and following, he sees the text as a collection of laws, which continue through the end of Deuteronomy. “Having made this observation, we should ask, “What is the purpose of the collections of laws? Why has the author abandoned his concern for narratives and stories and left us, the readers, alone with these laws?” (Sailhamer 1992, 33). Sailhamer refrains from giving his answer at this point.