Final answer:
The founding father of the special relationship between the Hebrew people and God was Abraham, who established the founding Covenant through monotheism, a key element of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Moses furthered this covenant with the addition of the Ten Commandments. The Hebrews' understanding of God evolved into recognizing Him as omnipotent and omnipresent, but still retaining a unique connection to their people.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founding father of the Covenant with God and the establishment of the special relationship between the Hebrew people and God was Abraham. He entered into a covenant with Yahweh, God of the Hebrews, which promised a route to a promised land and a singular, monotheistic worship of Yahweh in return for blessings and prosperity. This central aspect of the Jewish faith also became a cornerstone for Christianity and Islam, thereby shaping the religious landscape of much of human civilization.
The Covenant was further developed by Moses after the Exodus from Egypt, where he received the Ten Commandments and further laws that shaped the Jewish faith and people's culture. These events marked a significant transformation, turning the Hebrew people into a monotheistic society with the Torah as their sacred text, and later interpretations found in the Talmud. The principle of monotheism, enshrined by Abraham and Moses, suggests that God's protection and promise of a land of peace were intimately tied to their worship and moral behavior.
The evolution of the concept of Yahweh, from the tribal god of the Hebrews to an omnipotent and omnipresent deity, was influenced by various historical events, such as the Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian conquests. Despite these calamities, the unique bond between the Hebrews and Yahweh persisted, and the promise of a peaceful kingdom remained intact, regardless of the Hebrews' physical location.