These stories typical.  The stories of this section are commonly thought to be typical of New Testament truth.  While it is probably not best to make too much of this typical idea, it is safe to say that much of it is illustrative of such New Testament teachings.  The career of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph each at some point or points suggests the life and work of Jesus.  Abraham is called or appointed of God to be the head of a spiritual nation, he has revealed to him the will of God, he intercedes for a wicked Sodom and saved lot, all of which suggests the attitude and work of Jesus.  Isaac is an only son, is offered in sacrifice, has secured for him a bride in a most unusual manner.  This again in many ways illustrates the attitude and work of the Savior.  But Joseph is perhaps more highly figurative of the Redeemer.  His being hated and cast out by his brethren is like the rejection of Jesus; the way his wicked brethren came to him in their extremity and received forgiveness and sustenance suggest how a sinner finds mercy and life in Jesus; his prosperity and honor gained among others and the final coming of his brethren to him is suggestive in many of the details of the way the Jews rejected Jesus and of how, after Jesus has gained great power among Gentile nations, the Jews will finally repent of their national sin and accept the crucified Savior as the Jews’ Messiah; the whole story of the humiliation, sufferings and exaltation of Joseph correspond to like events in the career of Jesus.

Social and Religious Conditions of the Times.  There is little to suggest anything savage or barbarous.  The spirit and language of courtesy is everywhere present.  There is great hospitality and the marriage relation was respected by such heathen rulers as Pharaoh and Abimelech.  When property was bought and sold the contracts were formal and were held sacred even though the owner was long absent as in the case of Abraham who bought the cave of Machpelah.  Rebekah had bracelets, ear-rings, jewels of silver and of gold, and fine raiment as elements of adornment.  There were slaves but they were kindly treated and made almost as part of the family.  Wealthy people as Jacob employed their sons in the ordinary occupations such as caring for the sheep.  In Egypt and Chaldea the arts were highly developed and there was much learning.

The worship of the patriarchs was very simple.  They erected simple altars and offered on them burnt offerings.  The erection of such altars and making such open profession of their worship were always among their first acts when they settled in a new place.  There are some evidences that they observed the Sabbath of rest.  Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek and Jacob promised God to do the same if he would bless him.  God communed with them and gave them knowledge of his will and especially promised them great future blessing, through a deliverer that would come through the line of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah.