Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ANCESTOR

Founder of a family or people. Descendants viewed themselves as expressions of immediate or distant ancestors, and ancestors were considered present in the institutions and traditions of the family. The term used for “ancestor” (Heb. ʾāḇ) is the word for “father,” translated “patriarch” in some passages and versions.

Israel participated in its salvation and calling through God’s gracious action toward Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yahweh was “God of the ancestors” (Deut. 1:11), and through them Israel was promised land (1:8; Gen. 28:13), many descendants (Deut. 13:17), and a blessing (Gen. 12:3). Because of his covenant oath with the ancestors, Yahweh delivered Israel from Egypt (Deut. 7:8; Exod. 2:24-25; 6:2-9) and would continue to be merciful toward them (Deut. 4:31). However, continued fulfillment of the promises rested on Israel’s obedience to the Sinai covenant (Deut. 29:1[MT 28:69]–30:20). The exilic prophet appealed to the ancestors to inspire hope for God’s future deliverance (Isa. 51:1-3).

The NT affirms that the story of salvation culminating with God’s act in Christ had its beginning in the promises and election of the ancestors (Luke 1:46-55; Acts 13:15-41; Rom. 9; Gal. 3:15-16). Paul states that through the mystery of God’s mercy, the election of Israel through the ancestors would not be revoked (Rom. 11:11-35).

Bibliography. C. Barth, “God Chose the Fathers of Israel,” in God with Us (Grand Rapids, 1991), 38-55; C. Westermann, The Promises to the Fathers: Studies in the Patriarchal Narratives (Philadelphia, 1980).

Laurie J. Braaten

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ANCESTOR

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)