L’itinerario geografico-teologico di Abramo. II: Dalle Querce di Mamre al sepolcro di Macpela (Gn 14,1–25,18)

If the geographical horizon of this second part of the cycle of Abraham (Gen 14:1–25:18) appears more restricted than the description of the first (Gen 11:27– 13:18), the theological significance of the patriarch's movements is even more significant. The meeting with Melchizedek in Salem / Jerusalem (Gen 14:18) already alludes, albeit very discreetly, to the decisive appointment of Abraham on Moriah (Gen 22). The following stages of the patriarch's journey of faith follow: the Oak of Mamre where circumcision and the announcement of the birth of the child take place; Gerar, where Isaac is born; Beersheva, where the first well is acquired; Mount Moriah, i.e. the mountain of faith, where Abraham encounters not only a territory and a descendent, but God himself. In the final part of his journey, the patriarch acquires the tomb of Machpela, ensuring a descendent for Isaac through the journey of the servant to Harran, and finally he himself is buried in the cave of Machpela, accompanied not only by his son Isaac, but also by Ishmael and sons of Keturah, a sign of a paternity that has become universal.