Who is the first patriarch and father of Israel?

• A. Isaac
• B. Jacob
• C. Moses
• D. Abraham

Answer: (D)

Abraham is the first patriarch and father of Israel because the biblical narrative presents him as the founding ancestor through whom God establishes the special relationship with the Hebrew people. God calls him, promises to make his descendants into a great nation, to give them land, and to bless all nations through him. This initial covenant makes Abraham the starting point of Israel’s lineage and identity.

His son Isaac continues the line, and Isaac’s son Jacob is later named Israel and becomes the father of the twelve tribes, forming the nation’s individual families. So while Jacob (Israel) plays a crucial role as the progenitor of the tribes, Abraham is the earliest patriarch who begins the line.

To place him in context with the others: Isaac is Abraham’s son, not the founder; Moses appears much later as the deliverer and leader of the people; Jacob is important as the father of the tribes, but he comes after Abraham in the family line.