Original scientific paper
Abraham – Ancestor of the Faith in Biblical Traditions. Historical – Critical Review on Abraham (Gen 12 - 25)
Marko Tomić
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Teologija u Đakovu
Abstract
Abraham is, without doubt, one of the most famous and most significant biblical characters. His significance depended on the conditions in which Jewish people was found. The article elaborates the character of Abraham – patriarch, the way it was presented in the Holy Scriptures, always bearing in mind the circumstances which were historically conditioned. After the etymological interpretation of Abraham’s name, the emphasis was put on the so called cycle about Abraham, included in Gen 12-25. The cycle was divided into three different traditions: Jahvistic, Elohistic and Priest tradition. The review on their specific characteristics highlights the character of “the ancestor of our faith” within given historical conditions and understandings. Facts and emphasis from different traditions are compared to the facts which are results of historical and archaeological researches. Abraham can be situated into appropriate historical and geographical context on the basis of scarce historical facts and indications. The conception of Abraham’s character and role in the period of late Judaism found its reflection in certain latter texts of the Old Testament. Here we can see the process in which he is continuously faced with God’s promises. The article closes with the review on the receptions and interpretations of Abraham from the New Testament.
Keywords
The Book of Genesis; Ancestor; Abraham; biblical traditions (J, E, P); Covenant; promises; faith; interpretation
Hrčak ID:
40173
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2004.
Visits: 10.272 *