1. Chapter 5 Notes Patriarch-father of a clan or group of related families. Canaan- area of western Palestine that included most of present day Israel- the promised land. Faith- gift from God that enables us to believe in Him and accept all that He has revealed.

2. Age of the Patriarchs • God formed a new people for himself– Genesis Chapter 11 • The 4 patriarch of the Old Testament are : • Abraham • Isaac • Jacob • Joseph • Walled city was the center of industry and trade • Lifestyle– lived in tents, raised flocks, and grew a few crops.

3. God Promises Abraham • Land • Dynasty • Many Descendants • God promised them Canaan, but tested their faith many times on their journey to the promised land. • Abram and Sarai change their names to Abraham and Sarah as a sign of their new life in God and the covenant. • Abraham and Sarah have a son, Isaac, in their old age.

4. Isaac means laughter. • God tested Abraham once again when he asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. • Abraham remained faithful and God gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son. • Abraham became a unifier of his people and they lived in prosperity. • Angel- messenger of God Feast of Guardian Angel –October 2

5. Isaac and Rebekah • Isaac married Rebekah. They had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Although, Esau was the oldest and should have inherited; Jacob was the favored one of his mother. • Jacob tricked Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of soup. • Birthright is the natural right to inherit the Father’s property.

6. Jacob tricked his father into giving him his blessing by pretending to be Esau. • Jacob left Canaan and traveled to Haran. • Along the way, he had a dream where a staircase went up to heaven. • Jacob had determination or perseverance and never gave up. • God assured Jacob that he would inherit Canaan and God would protect him. • God changes Jacob’s name to Israel and his people are called Israelites.

7. Joseph • Providence is God’s plan for creation and protection of all creation. It is symbolized in the story of Joseph and the fulfillment of his dreams. • Jacob had 12 sons– Joseph was the second youngest. Rachel was his mother. • Joseph had dreams which told him of God’s plan.

8. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him. They sold him to merchants and stole his many colored coat. • The merchants sold him to the Egyptians. Joseph became the steward of the pharoah and saved the Egyptians from famine • Jacob’s other sons, Joseph’s brothers, came to Egypt to find food because of the famine. Joseph provided food for all the Israelites. The Israelites moved to Egypt and prospered for a while in their temporary home.