The "At-Sinai Narrative": Exodus 18–Numbers 10

The content and placement of "in-law pericopes" at each end of the Sinai narrative together with the "chronological disjunction" of each in its respective textual setting calls attention to their combined function to serve as an ironic frame for the Sinai narrative. The centrality of the golden calf narrative in the larger Sinai narrative draws the reader's attention to the role of Moses as intercessor on behalf of Israel, but the "in-law pericopes" seem to image Moses as motivated by self-interest. The paired function of the "in-law scenes" sets the stage for recognition of the paired function of the other movements that comprise this large narrative complex.