Final answer:
The Old Testament Hebrew culture utilized a patrilineal descent system, wherein the male lineage was prioritized for inheritance and family name continuation, with the practice beginning from Abraham and further documented in the Hebrew Bible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Old Testament Hebrew culture primarily used a patrilineal descent system. This tradition began with Abraham, the first patriarch, and continued through his lineage with Isaac and Jacob. The descent system meant that only the male lineage carried on the family name and inheritance, a practice that signified permanent family membership for males while females were often seen as temporary members, as acknowledged by other patrilineal societies.
Despite this prevailing system, the Hebrew culture's path towards monotheism was gradual, eventually shaping major religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These faiths developed from the monotheistic ideals established by Moses and codified in the Bible's accounts.
Archaeological findings and historical records pertaining to the Hebrews provide evidence for their origins and practices, although some historical aspects are debated. Nonetheless, the patrilineal system of the Hebrews is well-documented in the Hebrew Bible and by historians, undeniably influencing their social structure and cultural legacy.