How did government change during the Patriarchial period?
Background
According to the Herbrews, Abraham and his direct descendents were chosen specifically by the regional god Yahweh to be the leader of all people. Yahweh then told Abraham, a Semite, to migrate from Harran with his father Terah. They stopped west at Shechem.Yahweh told Abraham and his father that all of the land would be given to them. The Hebrews chose Abraham as their leader because of his obedience to Yahweh, who asked Abraham sacrifice of his son. This sacrifice is considered important because Yahweh would protect the Hebrews as long as the Hebrews remained obedient. The image below is a depiction of the sacrifice of Isaac, the son of Abraham (Manual).
Answer to Question: Change in Government
Prior to the patriarchal period, there was no external governing authority or any constituted government. One definition of patriarch is "ruling father", so this means that the father of the clan ruled over the culture. The families evolved into clans or "tribes" centered around the male bloodline The patriarch usually ruled in accordance to the Code of Hammurabi.[1]
• Genesis 14:13-16—Abram as patriarch involved in military strategy. • Genesis 31:22-39—Laban was a patriarch and Jacob submitted to his authority. • Genesis 42:36-37—Rueben recognizes the patriarchal authority of Jacob.
Sources
Beniretto, Rosie, and Clay Elliot. "Egypt: the Habit of Civilization." Manual for Cultural Foundations of Ancient Civilizations. Houston: St. John's School, 2011-2012. 67. Print.
http://www.valleybible.net/
institute.lds.org (image)
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