Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - these three names are most readily associated with the phrase "patriarchs of the Old Testament."
"The Hebrews were governed through a patriarchal order - that is, the right of ruling (presiding) in the family went from father to son," wrote Daniel H. Ludlow in A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament."From the time of Adam to well over two thousand years, evidently the people were largely governed by patriarchal order. . . ."
Dr. Ludlow explained the basic meaning of the English word patriarch is father, coming from Latin and French.
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were "fathers" or ancestors of most of the people discussed in the Bible.
"The Hebrews believed in primogeniture to determine which son should succeed the father as the presiding head of the family," continued Dr. Ludlow.
The two basic parts of the word primogeniture have to do with first (prime) and birth (geniture).
"It is clear that at least by the time of Abraham the peoples of the Bible had adopted the custom or practice of primogeniture to determine which son would succeed the father as the head of the family upon the death of the father. The `firstborn' or eldest son would become the new leader of the family so long as he was qualified and worthy."
The son succeeding the father as head of the family by right of his birth was entitled to a double portion of the father's inheritance.
He was entitled to one portion as a son; then he received a second portion as the new head of the family.
The second portion was to be used in taking care of any debts of the family, in caring for minor children or unmarried sisters, or other obligations.
(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant
Sources: The Spirit of the Old Testament, by Sidney B. Sperry; A Companion to Your Study of the Old Testament, by Daniel H. Ludlow; and October 1985 general conference report.
