Judaism: Covenant with Patriarchs

Question 1

Who were the Patriarchs?

Answer 1

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob = fathers of Judaism

Question 2

Why was the covenant with Abraham formed?

Answer 2

• formed so that A would “walk before [Him} faithfully and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1)
• as gift, God made his “descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 26:4) + land (Canaan)

Question 3

How are Isaac and Jacob Patriarchs too?

Answer 3

• reconfirms covenant with Isaac
  “I will […] confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham” (Genesis 26:3)
• blessing continues through Jacob “Go back to the land of your fathers, and I will be with you” (Genesis 31:3)

Question 4

What does the covenant signify?

Answer 4

special relationship between God and Hebrew people, emphasising divien protection, prosperity, land inheritance