2. The 3 Patriarchs (Gen. 12-50)

Question 1

What is the 2nd Pivotal Moment in the Old Testament Story?

Answer 1

The 2nd Pivotal Moment in the Old Testament Story is “The 3 Patriarchs” and is found in Genesis 12-50. This section contains the Jewish and Christian story of the origins of the nation of Israel. It follows the stories of the three Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac & Jacob.

Question 2

Who is Abram/Abraham?

Answer 2

Abram/Abraham is the first ancestor of the Israelites. In Genesis 12, Yahweh establishes a covenant relationship with Abraham and calls him to leave his hometown in Mesopotamia in order to start a new nation in Canaan.

Question 3

What Does Yahweh promise Abraham in Genesis?

Answer 3

A homeland, countless descendants, and that the entire world would be blessed through him.

(Land, Descendants, Blessings)

Question 4

Who is Sarai/Sarah?

Answer 4

Abram/Abraham’s wife

Question 5

Who is Hagar?

Answer 5

Sarah’s servant who Sarah told to have a child with.

Question 6

What problem did Abraham and Sarah have?

Answer 6

They were old and could not have children.

Question 7

Who is Ishmael?

Answer 7

Abraham and Hagar’s Son

Question 8

Who is Isaac?

Answer 8

Abraham and Sarah’s son

Question 9

What land does Yahweh promise Abraham?

Answer 9

Canaan (often called “the promised land”)

Question 10

How old is Abraham when Yahweh calls Abram?

Answer 10

75

Question 11

How old is Abraham when Isaac is born?

Answer 11

100

Question 12

Who is Rebekah?

Answer 12

Isaac’s Wife

Question 13

Who are Jacob and Esau?

Answer 13

Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons

Question 14

What does the name Jacob mean?

Answer 14

“Deceiver” or “Trickster”

Question 15

What does Esau sell to Jacob for a bowl of stew?

Answer 15

his birthright

Question 16

Jacob tricks his father and brother out of what?

Answer 16

Esau’s blessing as the firstborn

Question 17

Who does Jacob wrestle with? And what does this person change Jacob’s name to?

Answer 17

Yahweh and he changes Jacob’s name to Israel

Question 18

What does the name Israel mean?

Answer 18

“Struggles with God” or “Wrestles with God”

Question 19

Jacob is eventually tricked by who?

Answer 19

His uncle Laban tricked Jacob into marrying his oldest daughter Leah first instead of Rachel.

Question 20

How many wives does Jacob have and which one does he actually love the most?

Answer 20

Jacob had 4 wives and loved Rachel the most

Question 21

How many sons does Jacob/Israel have?

Answer 21

12, they become the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel

Question 22

Who is Jacob’s favorite son and what does he do for him?

Answer 22

Joseph and Jacob got him a special coat.

Question 23

What is Joseph known for doing?

Answer 23

having dreams or interpreting dreams

Question 24

How does Joseph end up in slavery in Egypt?

Answer 24

Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him and conspire to kill him, but decide to sell him as a slave instead.

Question 25

Why is Joseph thrown into prison after working in Potiphar's house as his head slave?

Answer 25

Potiphar's wife accuses Joseph of trying to sleep with her (which is a lie) so Potiphar throws Joseph into prison.

Question 26

While in prison, whose dreams does Joseph interpret?

Answer 26

Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker

Question 27

What are Pharaoh's two dreams?

Answer 27

1st Dream: Seven cows came up out of the river. They looked healthy and fat, but then seven other skinny cows ate the seven cows that looked healthy and fat. 2nd Dream: Seven healthy and good heads of grain were growing on one stem. Then seven other thin and dry heads of grain came up and swallowed the seven healthy, full heads of grain.

Question 28

What was the meaning of Pharaoh's two Dreams?

Answer 28

Joseph told Pharaoh that his two dreams meant there would be seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt followed by seven years of severe famine.

Question 29

Who is Judah?

Answer 29

Judah is Jacob's fourth son and the son who suggested selling Joseph into slavery instead of killing him. He eventually changes and becomes a hero when he offers to sacrifice himself in place of his younger brother Benjamin.

Question 30

At the end of Genesis, where is Jacob and his family?

Answer 30

They are living in Egypt as guests of the Pharaoh because of the famine in Canaan.

Question 31

At the end of Genesis, what promise to Abraham is not being fulfilled?

Answer 31

The promise of a homeland (Canaan) because they are living in Egypt.