The Patriarchs and History

The Patriarchs in their ancient Near Eastern Environment

Are the patriarchs only literary figures? Seeking support for patriarchs as real

people. Archaeology and the patriarchs Finding parallels to practices of the

patriarchs

NUZI

City near Tigris (near Haran) Documents from 15th century BC Hurrian/Horite civilization Practices similar to Genesis: slave

adoption

Methodology

Use care: many customs from few Nuzi texts

Need to show they are typical Often record extraordinary, not ordinary Useful to show other examples of

biblical customs (special place of blessing for firstborn)

Explain poorly understood

Misuses

Not adequately understanding. Looking for typical in what is in fact atypical. Trying to date by customs. Lack of established dynamics of relationship. DOES show that Patriarchs are not

completely out of step with their relative place and times.

What did Abram Leave when he left Ur? Architecture: ziggurat- worship ‘pyramid’

for mountain deities. Where is Israel’s God worshiped? View on humanity: slave or image?God

to be feared vs God of love Long standing culture vs new life with

longstanding (creator) God

Joseph in Egypt

Egyptian customs in Joseph story Implications