Biblical epic 1

Reading: Genesis 12-35—Abraham of Ur vs. Gilgamesh of Uruk; Abraham’s progeny: Ishmael & Isaac, Esau & Jacob (Blackboard: HebrewScripture2.pdf)

Writing: Respond to ONE of the following prompts. Keep your response short, posting as a reply under the appropriate heading in the comments section:

1. Oddities: quote a line or cite a plot event that strikes you as strange and offer a comment or insight about it.
2. Abraham and Gilgamesh come from the same region of Ancient Sumer, but these two heroes seemingly couldn’t be more different. Highlight a difference that strikes you as culturally significant in distinguishing the ancient Hebrews from the other peoples of Mesopotamia. Or highlight an unexpected similarity, if you spot one.
3. Assuming that Abraham exemplifies “Biblical heroism” (as per question 1), do his descendants Isaac and Jacob show the same qualities or different ones? Focus on a particular incident or detail.
4. In this section of Genesis we follow the line that will produce the nation of Israel, from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob. But both Isaac and Jacob have older brothers—Ishmael and Esau. How does the narrative present these other children? In answering, point to a specific moment or phrase.