Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1245 God of the fathers

1245 God of the fathers

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1200 God, titles and descriptions of » 1205 God, titles and names of » 1245 God of the fathers

God's particular association with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the fathers of the nations of Israel, highlights his faithfulness in fulfilling the promises made to them. He is the God who establishes a covenant with his people for their everlasting blessing.

God's relationship with the fathers

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Acts 7:32 See also Exodus 3:6,15; Exodus 4:5

The God of Jacob

Psalm 20:1 “Jacob” is used here as a synonym for the nation of Israel. This usage is common in the Psalms as a reminder to God's people of his faithfulness to Jacob and the emergent nation of Israel. See also Genesis 32:27-28; Psalm 14:7; Psalm 46:7,11; Psalm 75:9; Psalm 76:6; Psalm 114:7

Such a relationship served as an encouragement to others

Abraham's servant was encouraged to trust God in his mission by the example of Abraham's faith:

Genesis 24:12,27,42,48

God's people were frequently encouraged by the relationship they saw between God and other individuals (e.g., Jos 1:5; 2Ki 2:14):

Genesis 26:24; Genesis 31:42,53 Genesis 46:1-3 Jacob learned to fear and trust God through his father Isaac.

God's covenant with the fathers

God's promises that they will be the fathers of a great nation

Genesis 28:13-15 See also Genesis 26:2-4; Exodus 3:16-17

God remembers and fulfils his promises

Exodus 2:24 See also Exodus 6:3-5; Exodus 32:13; Leviticus 26:42; Deuteronomy 1:8; Acts 7:17

God makes a covenant with his people to be their God

Deuteronomy 29:12-13 See also Genesis 17:7; Exodus 6:7-8; Psalm 105:8-11