Abraham versus Jakub

This article deals with the process of the formation of the traditionsconcerning the three patriarchs in the book of Genesis. It can already bestated that the traditions concerning Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were initiallyformed independently of each other. Chronological priority shouldbe assigned to the tradition concerning Jacob. It was originally somehowcombined with the tradition concerning Isaac (in Amos), and at the timebefore the exile it constituted the earliest point of reference for seeking theroots and identity of Israel. Only by the end of the exile did the particulartime and situation cause the local Judaean traditions concerning Abrahamto play a greater role also from a theological aspect. Abraham then becamenot only a model of faith and an example of behaviour for the exiles and therepatriates, but also from a the first link in the chain of the three patriarchs.It is possible that at that time some of the motifs of the story of Abrahamwere borrowed from the traditions concerning Isaac (cf. Gen 26).