A common model of government in the early history of the people of God was the patriarch, a man who was the acknowledged head of a household or clan, including the attached servants and helping hands. Abraham was one such patriarch.
Genesis 12:1-6 depicts God's initial call to Abram (as he was originally styled) out of the land of his ancestors into "a land that I will show you." He was the head of a small band of relatives and servants who packed up their possessions and hit the road in obedience to God's command.
Genesis 13:1-9 depicts Abram as, having prospered greatly during a temporary stay in Egypt, returning to Canaan. He and his nephew Lot had so much livestock that the land could not support all of it in one place. Abram acted as a peacemaker (for there had been contention between his servants and Lot's servants over land use) and leader by arranging for a workable settlement. And he was gracious enough to let Lot pick the best land. His object was the wisest use of people and possessions to engender prosperity for all.
Genesis 14:11-16 depicts Abram as the defender of his family, an able military commander who conducted an effective action against foreign threats. He was professionally a man of agriculture and trade but when the need arose he was able to protect his family interests through use of necessary force.
Other examples of patriarchs described in Genesis are Isaac, Jacob, Esau, and Joseph.
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