The patriarchs and their descendants

Chosen instruments of providence in Gn. 12-50

Abstract

The teaching on divine providence reaches its fullness in Jesus Christ, who in Mt. 6:25-34 reveals the exemplary attitude of a citizen of the Kingdom in relation to the course of history. However, the Old Testament contains clear expressions of this doctrine, reflecting God’s constant care for His creation. This study focuses on the patriarchal sagas of Israel to show how divine providence has sustained the salvation plan that culminates in Christ. The main objectives were to identify the most significant expressions of providence in Genesis 12-50 and present them in an accessible way for the spiritual enrichment of the reader. The research covers the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, the latter as the conclusion of the patriarchal cycle and a bridge to what follows. The methodology employed was semantic, exegetical, and theological analysis of the biblical text, using its critical Hebrew version. We conclude that the texts reveal a mature doctrine of providence, presenting a God who cares, guides, and acts in the history of the patriarchs and, through them, for the whole of humanity.