Who did the ancient Hebrews believe were their original founding ancestors?

The ancient Hebrews, as recounted in the Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh), believed that their original founding ancestors were the patriarchs Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac's son Jacob. Later, Jacob was also known as Israel, and his descendants became known as the Israelites. These three patriarchs are considered the founding fathers of the Israelite nation. Additionally, the matriarchs Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel are acknowledged as the founding mothers alongside the patriarchs. The stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs are mainly found in the book of Genesis.

The story of Abraham, who is considered the first patriarch, begins with his migration from Ur in Mesopotamia to Canaan (the Promised Land according to God’s covenant) under the divine command. This journey marks a pivotal moment that lays the foundation for the establishment of the Israelite nation. God's promise to Abraham included making him the father of a great nation, giving his descendants the land of Canaan, and blessing all the nations of the earth through his seed.

Isaac, Abraham's son with his wife Sarah, was also significant to the Hebrews as he was the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would be fulfilled. Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, further solidified this ancestral lineage through his twelve sons, who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The historical and religious narratives of these founding ancestors form the basis of Jewish identity and faith. Their lives and experiences are central to Jewish history and are a recurring theme in religious teachings, symbolizing faith, obedience to God, and the establishment of a covenantal relationship with Him. Additionally, these figures are relevant in Christian and Islamic traditions as well, with each faith offering its own interpretation and emphasis on the narratives concerning Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.