Abstract:
This article explores the primordial spirituality of the Bible, as expressed in names, narratives
and prayers. It looks at the nomadic families of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob,
Lea and Rachel, moving around from Mesopotamia via Canaan into Egypt and vice versa (see
Gn 11:31–32; 12:4–5; 27:43; 28:10; 29:4; Gn 24 and 29–31). It analyses their experiences, covering the
span between birth and death and listens to their parental concerns about education as survival.
It also follows their journeys along the margins of the deserts. It shares their community life as it
takes shape in mutual solidarity, mercy and compassion.
