HomeThe Patriarchal Period

The first dispensation of Bible history is commonly called the “Patriarchal Period.” An understanding of this age is important, for it tells of man’s earliest relationship with God and answers many questions basic to understanding the rest of the Bible.

I. Significant Facts of the Patriarchal Period

A. Name

  1. The word “patriarch” means “father, leader, chief, ruler”; therefore this period is literally called the age of “Father-Rule.”
  2. God revealed His will directly to the heads of the families who in turn taught their children (Heb. 1:1-2). There is no evidence of any written law during this age.

B. Man’s Relationship to God

  1. As God spoke to the fathers by dreams, angels, or visions, they would instruct their children, thus this is sometimes called an age of family religion (Gen. 18:19).
  2. Worship consisted of animal sacrifices offered upon altars (Gen. 8:20; 12:7-8).

C. Duration

  1. We will relieve the Bible of many pressures if we will keep in mind that it was written for religious ends rather than scientific or chronological purposes. We are not given an exact date for creation nor can we be certain that every generation from Adam is specifically mentioned. On the basis of what is revealed this period lasted at least 2500 years, perhaps longer.
  2. This period begins with Creation, recorded in Gen. 1, and continues until the giving of the Ten Commandments recorded in Exodus 20.

D. Importance of the Patriarchal Period –

The Bible record of the Patriarchal Period does not go into detail about every event or person, but what is told answers some important questions which give us a deeper understanding of the rest of the Bible. Let us consider some:

II. Questions Answered By The Significant Events of the Patriarchal Period

A. How Did All Things Begin? (The Creation)

  1. All things started with a miracle of God, Genesis 1:1-2:3.
  2. The atheist must start somewhere-all things came from nothing? FANTASTIC! WHO CAN BELIEVE IT?

B. What Makes Man Superior To Animals? (The Creation of Man In God’s Image)

  1. Man created in God’s image-spirit, intelligence, dominion, Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7-8.
  2. Institution of marriage-woman, an help suitable for man, Gen. 2:18-24.

C. Why Do We Need God, Salvation, or the Bible? (The Fall of Man)

  1. Man’s first relationship with God was ideal. God placed man in the Garden of Eden and provided every necessary thing, Gen. 2:8-17.
  2. Man is in God’s image, thus God did not force Adam to serve Him. The devil tempted; man fell by his own choice; his return will be by choice, Gen. 3:1-13; Rom. 6:16-18.

D. Will God Really Destroy That Which He Has Created? (The Flood)

  1. Man’s wickedness increased; God purposed to destroy the world, Gen. 6:5-7.
  2. Through the righteousness of Noah eight souls were spared, Gen. 6:8-10:32.
  3. God has promised to destroy the world again, 2 Pet. 3:1-14.

E. How Did Man Become Separated Into Different Nations? (The Division of Man)

  1. The Tower of Babel-confusing of tongues, Gen. 11:1-9.
  2. The descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, Gen. 10, 11.

F. Who Are The Jews, and Why Were They God’s Chosen People? (The Call of Abraham)

  1. The Land promise (Canaan, Palestine), Gen. 12:1.
  2. The Nation promise (Israel, Hebrews, Jews), Gen. 12:2.
  3. The Spiritual promise (Christ), Gen. 12:3, “bless all families …” Gal. 3:26-29.