History of Government (3) - Tribalism

Abraham introduced family government to his extended family. This included providing work and income. He had an obligation to defend his family if they were attacked. He would settle disputes between different members of his family. This was tribal government. Abraham was an effective leader of his tribe, but even he got it wrong at times.

Family government has never been nullified by God. Families should still be providing protection and resolving disputes between their members.

Tribalism tends to get a bad press in the modern world. We forget that God established a tribal system and gave it his blessing. When the children of Israel went into the promised land, the entered as tribes. The tribes were allocated separate areas in Canaan.

Many Christians love this promise.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Deut 33:27)

Few notice that Deuteronomy 33 records God's blessing on the tribes of Israel.

God has promised to bless a tribal system. He has never promised to bless democracy. That should set us thinking.