PALESTINE DURING THE BIBLICAL PATRIARCHS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

Who are the Biblical Patriarchs?

1. Noah 2928 - 1978 B.C. Lived 950 years a) God told Noah to build an ark in order to save the animals and his family from the global flood he was to bring. Noah was six hundred years old at the time of the deluge (Genesis 7:6). After the flood God promised, through the sign of a rainbow, that he would never again destroy all life on earth with water (Genesis 9). Noah had three sons who were named Ham, Shem, and Japheth. Sometime after the flood he cursed one son and blessed the other two. i) 25. And he said, "Cursed be Canaan. He shall be a servant of servants to his brothers." 26. And he said, "Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 27. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; And Canaan shall be their servant." (Genesis 9:25-27, Holy Bible in Its Original Order - A Faithful Version (HBFV) unless stated)

2. Shem 2426 - 1826 B.C. Lived 600 years a) Eldest son of Noah who lived to the time of Abraham and Isaac. He survived the flood in the ark.

3. Abraham 1975 - 1800 B.C. Lived 175 years a) Originally named Abram. Abraham left his home in Ur of the Chaldees to journey to Palestine. His faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. God promised not only to make Abraham great but also to bless the WHOLE WORLD through him: i) 2 'I will give you many descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will bless you and make your name famous, so that you will be a blessing . . . And through you I will bless all the nations.' (Genesis 12:2)

4. Isaac 1876 - 1696 B.C. Lived 180 years a) The only biological child of Abraham and Sarah. He was miraculously born after Sarah was healed of being barren. Isaac's wife Rebekah bore him twin boys: Esau and Jacob. He lived longer than either his father (Abraham) or son Jacob.

5. Jacob (Israel) 1815 - 1668 B.C. Lived 147 years a) Son of Isaac. Esau, his twin-brother, was born just ahead of him. Purchases Esau's birthright blessing for bowl of red stew (Genesis 25:29 - 34). Jacob steals the blessing intended for his brother by pretending to be Esau. Wrestles all night with a man who, after he cannot defeat Jacob, changes his name to Israel (Genesis 32:22 - 32). Has twelve sons (each one represents one of the tribes of Israel) and one daughter.

The End ...