The stories of the Patriarchs offer many views of God and many of the stories are believed to be myths or legends, which leads to different views on the image of God that the stories give.
Genesis 18 offers an accessible God, with whom Abraham can discuss the future of Sodom and Gomorrah. The covenant is opened between the two, and they have a conversation as ordinary people. The chapter shows God's mercy;.
"The Lord said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.".
and his understanding. He is concerned with justice;.
"Far be it from you to do such a thing-to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?".
However, the chapter has primitive concepts of God, he is referred to as a man rather than a heavenly being; .
".but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him.".
Genesis 12, concentrates on God's divine initiative, his plan of salvation;.
"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you.
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.".
However, Genesis 13 v 8, reminds the reader that the Canaanites had shrines and concepts of other Gods. There are also different names given for God, e.g. "El Eyon", given in Genesis 14, these different names indicate differing opinions of God.
Genesis 28 v 10-32 is about Jacob, the story shows that God chooses not only the righteous, but has insights into human strengths and weaknesses;.
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.".
However, the picture given of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32 is another primitive concept, it is a notion of conscience and shows God to be human than heavenly.
