דברי הימים א, פרק ט״ז, פסוק כ״ב

Throughout the early wanderings of the fathers of the nation, a firm divine shield guarded them against the powerful rulers of their time. God actively intervened in the natural course of events to ensure their safety and survival. This protection took the form of direct actions and severe warnings. God struck Pharaoh with plagues, sent ominous dreams to warn Abimelech and Laban the Aramean, and cast a divine terror upon the Canaanite cities to prevent them from pursuing Jacob's sons after the events involving Shechem and Hamor [רש״י]. These physical plagues and nighttime warnings served as God's clear, absolute command to the surrounding nations, strictly forbidding anyone from touching or harming His chosen people [מצודת דוד].

The early leaders of the nation held a unique, elevated status. Although they were never literally anointed with oil, they were chosen by God for greatness and leadership. While they did not rule over official geographic empires, they functioned as God's personal kings on earth [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This royal standing was widely recognized by the local leaders of the region. The Hittites respectfully referred to Abraham as a prince of God, and Abimelech, the Philistine king, personally traveled to Isaac to establish a peace treaty [רד״ק].

Beyond their royal stature, these men were also prophets who communicated directly with God. This dual role of royalty and prophecy was made clear when God warned Abimelech to return Sarah, explicitly identifying Abraham as a prophet [רד״ק]. Ultimately, this intense divine oversight and the elevated status of the patriarchs were key elements in a much larger historical journey, one that eventually led to the nation's descent into Egypt [רש״י].