The “Way of the Lord” as the Ethical Content of the Patriarchal Education: Abraham and Job as Case Studies

Abstract

Abraham and Job, two prominent Old Testament figures, lived during the same historical period and were valued by God for their integrity (Gen 26:5; Job 1:8; 2:3). Both played key roles in God’s plans. God revealed to Abraham the purpose of His visit to Sodom (Gen 18:20, 21), knowing Abraham would guide his descendants to “keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just” (Gen 18:19). Regarding Job, God declared him “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8; 2:3). Both narratives imply a “way of the Lord” that they respected (Gen 26:5; Job 23:11), yet neither Genesis nor Job provides an ethical code defining it. This study explores the ethical conduct implied by “the way of the Lord,” noting that both moral principles and ceremonial requirements are evident in their lives. The phrase highlights the values they passed down to their descendants, rather than merely discovering ethical content.