Step-by-step explanation:
1. Two main patriarchs of the faith in the Hebrew Bible are Abraham and Moses.
- Abraham is considered the father of the Hebrew people and is highly revered for his faith and obedience to God. He plays a significant role in the history of the Hebrew people as God made a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of a great nation. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as a test of his faith, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to God. Through his descendants, the Hebrew people would emerge and become a chosen nation.
- Moses is another important patriarch and leader of the Hebrew people. He played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and towards the Promised Land. Moses received the Ten Commandments and the divine laws from God on Mount Sinai, establishing the foundation of Israelite religion and moral code. He guided and taught the Israelites during their wanderings in the desert, and his leadership had a profound impact on shaping their identity and faith.
Major and minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible were individuals who were called by God to deliver messages and warnings to the Israelites, often regarding their relationship with God and the consequences of their actions.
- One major prophet is Isaiah. He provided messages of judgment, hope, and restoration to the Israelites. Isaiah foresaw the coming of the Messiah and offered comfort to the people during difficult times. His prophecies addressed political and social issues while emphasizing the need for repentance and righteousness.
- One minor prophet is Amos. He spoke out against social injustices, moral corruption, and religious hypocrisy within Israel. Amos's prophecies emphasized the importance of justice, fairness, and genuine worship. He called for societal transformation and warned of the impending judgment if the people did not turn back to God.
The prophets had a twofold role: They conveyed God's messages to the people, often warning them of the consequences of their actions, and they offered hope, guidance, and spiritual renewal. While some prophecies included visions or glimpses of the future, the primary focus was on understanding God's character, His expectations for humanity, and the patterns of human behavior.
2. The phrase "I will be whom I will be" (often translated as "I AM WHO I AM") is found in the Hebrew Bible when God reveals His name to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This description of God's name signifies His eternal, self-existent nature, and it conveys a profound lesson about God's sovereignty and transcendence.
The lesson behind this statement is that God cannot be fully comprehended or limited by human understanding. It emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and independence from any external influences. It reminds us that God is not confined to a specific time, place, or human understanding. Instead, He reveals Himself and His will in His own time and according to His divine purpose.
This lesson serves as a reminder that no human can fully grasp or confine God's actions or work within narrow human parameters. It cautions against presuming to define or limit God's work to specific locations or individuals. Instead, it encourages humility, reverence, and an openness to God's mysterious ways, knowing that His plans and purposes surpass our limited understanding.