Forefathers of Israel

God's cov'nant with Abram established
A people exalted and quite blessed.
And soon a new name would he brandish
Whose descendants would never outlast.

Abraham, a treasured possession,
Was favored by God's admiration.
Isaac and Jacob in succession-
All fathers of Israel's nation.

Isaac of elderly begetters
Was used as an example of faith.
Abraham bound him as fast-fettered
To obey God's command without scathe.

The advent of Jacob, the trickster,
Began as womb-jostling his brother.
Though younger became purloined victor,
While elder Esau - most mismothered.

Abraham, genesis of the clan,
Isaac, ram-saved sure at Moriah,
Jacob, twelve tribes by God would they stand,
As each ushered in the Messiah.

From Abraham - a father faithful,
To Isaac - a miracle of birth,
To Jacob - a treachery fateful,
Offsprings count "like the dust of the earth."