Until when does the merit of the patriarchs endure? Rabbi Tanḥuma said in the name of Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Menaḥama, and some say Rabbi Berekhya bar Ḥelbo [said it] in the name of Rava bar Zavda: Until Yehoaḥaz. That is what is written: “But the Lord showed them favor and had mercy on them…until now” (II Kings 13:23) – until now the merit of the patriarchs endured. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Until Elijah.
That is what is written: “It was at the time of offering up the afternoon offering that Elijah the prophet approached, [and he said: Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today it will be known that You are God in Israel]” (I Kings 18:36). Shmuel said: Until Hosea. That is what is written: “Now I will reveal her repulsiveness in the eyes of her paramours, and no man will deliver her from My hand” (Hosea 2:12).
The man stated here is no one other than Abraham, just as it says: “Now, restore the man’s wife” (Genesis 20:7). And “man” is non other than Isaac, as it is stated: “Who is that man?” (Genesis 24:65). And “man” is none other than Jacob, as it is stated: “Jacob was a complete man” (Genesis 25:27). Rabbi Yudan said: Until Hezekiah, just as it said: “For abundant authority and for unending peace…[from now, forever; the zealotry of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this]” (Isaiah 9:6).24From that point forward, the zealotry of the Lord would prevail, because the merit of the patriarchs had run out.
Rabbi Yudan said in the name of Rabbi Berekhya: If you see that the merit of the patriarchs has failed and the merit of the matriarchs has faltered, go and cleave to acts of kindness. That is what is written: “For the mountains will move, and the hills will collapse” (Isaiah 54:10); the mountains are the patriarchs and the hills are the matriarchs, and then: “My kindness will not be moved from you, [My covenant of peace shall not collapse]” (Isaiah 54:10).25The verse is understood to mean, if My attribute of kindness is not moved from you, in that you perform acts of kindness for others, My covenant of peace with you will not falter.
Rabbi Aḥa said: The merit of the patriarchs endures forever. Forever, we mention and say: “For the Lord your God is a merciful God, He will neither forsake you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your patriarchs” (Deuteronomy 4:31).