Who is considered the father of many nations in the Old Testament?

Abraham is considered the father of many nations in the Old Testament primarily because of God's covenant promises made to him. In Genesis 17:4-5, God tells Abraham that he will be the father of a multitude of nations, signifying that his descendants will not only be numerous but will also extend beyond a single nation. This covenant is foundational to the narratives of both Judaism and Christianity, as Abraham is the patriarch from whom the Israelites descend. Furthermore, his role is celebrated in the New Testament as well, where he is recognized for his faith and obedience to God, which further solidifies his status as a key figure in biblical history.

The other figures mentioned—Jacob, Isaac, and Noah—play significant roles in the stories of the Old Testament, but their connections to the concept of being the father of nations are not emphasized in the same way as Abraham's. Jacob, for instance, is known for his twelve sons who become the tribes of Israel, and Isaac is primarily recognized as Abraham's son, continuing the covenant line. Noah has an important role in the story of the flood and is a significant figure in human history, but does not share that specific title or identity as the progenitor of nations like Abraham does.