Pastoral though they may have been, have you ever wondered how the patriarchs of old really lived their lives?
Their work ethic and accomplishments that made them so suited for our heavenly Father's attention and blessings?
Their spiritual practices and beliefs, in particular, that set them apart from the rest of the pagan world and its evil practices and beliefs?
These are all things they must have studied and learned from their forebears, as indicated by such non-bible (but scriptural) books as Yaser ("Jasher" from "Sepir Ha Yaser" meaning: "Book of the Upright," or perhaps: "Book of the Righteous"), quoted or cited in Yahvsave ("Joshua") 10:13 and II Samuel 1:18, for example.
Pre-Masoretic Text
This book of scripture, you will read in an NIV (New International Version) bible footnote to the first verse above cited, is believed to be "now lost," despite the fact that an English translation by Moses Samuel from the Ibreya (ancient, pre-Masoretic "Hebrew") has been in print since 1840, published by Mordechai Noah in New York, a translation from a 1613 or 1625 "Hebrew" book of the same name published in Venice, doubtless copied from far more ancient manuscripts, as are all the scriptures.
The Ibreya of this version, according to the London translator's notes, was without vowel points, indicating it is from a much more ancient form of Ibreya, before the creation of the Masoretic version of the Bible in the first to third centuries.
More ancient evidence of the antiquity of this book of scripture is a supposed reference to it made by the first century historian Yavceph ("Josephus"), apparently in or near Antiquities V, I, 17 (which no longer appears in current versions, but is quoted by other ancient sources).
Certain textual variations from the Masoretic "received" text, the source for the King James version and most other modern bible translations, actually agree with more ancient pre-masoretic texts, such as the Samaritan Pentateuch (the first five books of scripture, otherwise known as the books of Moses).
Difficult But Blessed Way of Life
One thing the patriarchs of scripture teach us, through their living examples, is that the main freedom granted to us by our Sovereign Creator is the freedom of choice.
We can choose to obey Him, and receive His blessings and protection as a direct result -- although there can and will be times that test our resolve, character and commitment to perfectly obey His will -- or we can choose to do whatever seems right in our own eyes, and reap the consequences, curses, and judgment that surely follows this act of spiritual rebellion; not only for ourselves but also for all our posterity that follows in our footsteps, and refuses to repent of this pernicious and wicked way of death, destruction and defeat to the adversary and false accuser.
Those who follow the path of righteousness might even lose their freedoms for a while, at the hands of the wicked -- like Yavceph ("Joseph") in Egypt -- but this will always end with blessings and successful victory over the forces of darkness and evil at work in our currently carnal world.
The patriarchs did not have any one place to call home, but travelled through often difficult terrain and hostile environments with their families and young children, often with much difficulty, while fearing the warlike, thieving, duplicitous peoples among whom they often found themselves in fear for their lives, the sanctity of their wives, daughters and possessions, and in imminent dangers from belligerent, lustful, corrupt, conniving two-legged predators and other wild beasts.
The way of the patriarchs was always dedicated to obeying their Sovereign Creator in everything, trusting in His providence and protection. They were committed, compassionate, courageous, empathetic, faithful, friendly, authentic, generous, healthy, honest (insofar as it was possible to be, in the midst of sinful people), kind, loyal, open, respectful, persevering, responsible people of great integrity.
They lived lives free from the constraints of manipulative despots, would-be (but false) "saviors" who promised false "safety," "security," "law and order," or "religious" and political compulsion of a centralized but corrupt "authority" -- protecting their lives and property only when absolutely necessary, while often suffering unjust loss, patiently and humbly awaiting a just and enduring reward, recompense, and eventual retribution against their unjust opponents and enemies.
Restoration of The Patriarchal Way
You can do no better than to adhere to the way of the patriarchs, mirroring and reflecting their virtuous example and way of life today.
Despite the rapacious, hurtful, troublesome and persecuting threats that abound in modern society against any who dare to be different, you can refrain from violent thoughts, attitudes and ways of behaving.
You can restrain yourself from self mutilations, or other outward shows of "brotherhood," "friendship" and "helpfulness" -- which mask and harbor deceit, vanity, envy, or greed in prideful hearts -- by taking the high road that, though difficult and persecuted, leads to great and lasting reward for those who choose to follow it all the way to the end of their lives, if necessary.
You, too, can walk in the way of the Patriarchs, if you choose.
It may take sacrifice and suffering temporary loss to those who are presently more powerful and stronger than you -- capable of doing you injury or destroying your life should you resist -- however, through faith, prayer and perseverance like the Patriarchs of days long ago, you can also achieve great blessings and rewards, both now and in the age to come.
That will be an age of restoration to the way of the Patriarchs, for all who survive the intervening fallout from our current age of chaos, to lead deserving and rewarding lives thereafter.