THE PATRIARCHAL PERIOD

ABRAHAM Originally from the city of Ur, founded in the 4th millennium BCE in lower Mesopotamia. A prosperous city during the 3rd millennium and the center of the veneration of the moon god of the Sumerians. Destroyed by the Elamites at the end of the 3rd millennium. Terah and his family most likely moved to Haran about this time (ca. 2100 BCE) although a precise date is impossible.

EXCAVATION OF UR

WAR STANDARD

PEACE STANDARD

RAM IN A BUSH

ABRAHAM’S JOURNEY

PATRIACHAL PROMISE: GEN. 12:1-3 There are seven elements: The promise to make of Abraham a great nation The promise to bless Abraham The promise to make his name great The promise that he will be a blessing to others The promise to bless those that bless him The promise to curse those that curse him The promise to bless all families of the earth through his descendents

ABRAHAM AND LOT Abraham was prosperous by chapter 13 To settle a dispute between him and his nephew Lot, Abraham suggested that Lot choose where he wanted to dwell. Lot chose the fertile plain of the Jordan and lived near Sodom near the Dead Sea. Abraham remained in Canaan and God reiterated His promise to him (Gn.13:14- 17) The gift of the land The promise of descendants

THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH The arrival of the messengers to communicate two important events: The birth of a son The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Abraham was allowed to “negotiate” with God about Lot and his family. While God agreed, the cities were destroyed, save Lot and family Ends with Lot’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt and his daughters committing an incestuous act.

THE ROLE OF MELCHIZEDEK His name means “ king of righteousness” Called the “ king of Salem” (Jerusalem) and “priest of God Most High” A historical figure whose origin is uncertain Regarded by Abraham as a legitimate religious figure Offered a tenth of the bounty that he had recovered in the mission to rescue Lot Served to show the partial fulfillment of the promise in Gn.12:2,3

ABRAHAMIC COVENANT Registered in Gn. 15 and17 “Formalized” the divine promises in Gn.12 Two principle elements: The promise of descendents The promise of a land Seal by the ritual of circumcision (Gn. 17) Abram’s name changed to Abraham meaning “father of many” Sarai’s name changed to Sarah meaning “princess”

THE TRANSMISSION OF THE PROMISE

ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Ishmael Isaac Abraham’s son by Hagar (Gen. 16) According to the times, this was a legitimate act. Can it be seen as partial fulfillment of the promise? See Gen. 21:12, 13. Isaac The promised son (Gen. 17, 18) The subject of Abraham’s supreme test after which the promise was renewed (Gen. 22:15-18) Married Rebekah, the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham’s brother and Isaac’s 2nd cousin (Gen.24) who gave him twin boys, Esau and Jacob (Gen.25:19-26) Repeated his father’s error (Gen.26) but received the renewal of the promise (Gen. 26:1-6)

ANCIENT CITIES DURING PATRIARCHAL TIMES

MARI Ancient city located in what is now Syria. Located on key commercial crossroads. Fluoresced between 2900 BCE to 1759 BCE Conquered by Hammurabi about 1760 BCE In 1930s, more than 20,000 clay tablets were discovered Furnishes information about upper Mesopotamia during the patriarchal period including provisions for childless couples.

ONE OF THE TABLETS

ISHTUP-ILUM, A KING OF MARI

EBIH-IL, KING ISHTUP’S STEWARD

EBLA City in the northern part of Syria inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC, reached its peak between 1,800 and 1650 BCE. 15,000 cuneiform tablets were discovered between 2.400 e 2.200 BCE Names similar to biblical names found: Adamu (Adam), Hawa (Eve), Abarama (Abraham), Sinai, Jerusalem, Hazor, Sodom, Gomorra

EBLA EXCAVATION

CUNEIFORM TABLET

NUZI Ancient city in Iraq Inhabited since the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE Reached is peak in 15-14 BCE Excavated between 1925 e 1931CE Approximately 7,000 tablets written cuneiform Important because they reflect the life and customs of the patriarchal era.

BIBLCAL PARALLELS Marriage customs Gn. 31.14-16 Infertility Gn. 16 Adoption Gn. 15.2 Transfer of inheritance Gn. 25.27-34 A double portion for the first born Dt. 21.15-17