What does the Bible say about patriarchal government?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the patriarchal household as a God-ordained sphere of family leadership, worship, protection, justice, and covenant instruction, while showing that all human authority remains accountable to God. The patriarchs built altars and called on the Lord, as Noah did in Genesis 8:20 and Abraham in Genesis 12:7. God commended Abraham because he would direct his children and household to keep the way of the Lord in Genesis 18:19. Abraham also acted to protect Lot and his household in Genesis 14:12-16, yet he dealt honorably with neighbors and rulers. His covenant with Abimelech in Genesis 21:22-32, echoed by Isaac in Genesis 26:28-33, shows family heads pursuing peace under God’s providence.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- See GOVERNMENT
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Vested in the heads of families Genesis 18:19
- Exercised in
- Training, &c their servants for war Genesis 14:14
- Vindicating their wrongs Genesis 14:12; Genesis 14:15; Genesis 14:16
- Forming treaties and alliances Genesis 14:13; Genesis 21:22-32; Genesis 26:28-33
- Acting as priests Genesis 8:20; Genesis 12:7; Genesis 12:8; Genesis 35:1-7; Job 1:5
- Acting as judges Genesis 38:24
- Arbitrarily disinheriting and putting away servants and children Genesis 21:14; 1 Chronicles 5:1
- Blessing and cursing their children Genesis 9:25; Genesis 9:26; Genesis 27:28; Genesis 27:29; Genesis 49:1-33
- The authority of heads of families for, acknowledged Genesis 23:6
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