Abraham(distinguished generals, leadership)
“Father of a multitude (changed from Abram, meaning 'exalted father')”
Summary
The founding patriarch of the Hebrew nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees to become the father of a great nation through whom all families of the earth would be blessed.
☩Origin and Call
Abraham was born in Ur of the Chaldees as Abram, the son of Terah, descended from Shem in the ninth generation. His family were idolaters, as Joshua later reminded Israel. The God of glory appeared to Abraham while still in Mesopotamia and called him to leave his country and kindred for a land that would be shown to him. He departed with his father Terah, his wife Sarai (later Sarah), and his nephew Lot, first settling in Haran where Terah died. At age 75, Abraham received a second, more specific call and entered Canaan, trusting implicitly in divine guidance though not knowing his destination.
☩The Covenant Promise
Upon entering Canaan, God promised that Abraham's descendants would inherit the land and that all families of the earth would be blessed through him. This promise consisted of two parts: temporal, that he would be the founder of a great nation, and spiritual, that he would be the chosen ancestor of the Redeemer. When Abraham expressed concern about having no heir, God made a formal covenant with him, specifying that his own son would inherit and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Abraham believed God, and his faith was counted to him for righteousness, establishing the foundational principle that justification comes through faith rather than works.
☩Circumcision and Name Change
When Abraham was 99 years old, God appeared to him as El Shaddai (God Almighty) and confirmed the covenant with the sign of circumcision. At this time his name was changed from Abram ('father of elevation') to Abraham ('father of a multitude'), signifying the promise that he would be the father of many nations. His wife's name was similarly changed from Sarai to Sarah, indicating she would bear the promised son. The rite of circumcision became the distinguishing mark of covenant membership, symbolizing separation from the world and consecration to God.
☩The Testing of Faith
Abraham's faith was supremely tested when God commanded him to offer Isaac, the son of promise, as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed, reasoning that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead, since the promises depended on him. At the moment of sacrifice, the angel of the Lord intervened, providing a ram as a substitute, and the promise was confirmed with an oath. This event prefigured the sacrifice of Christ and demonstrated the depth of Abraham's faith, earning him the designation 'friend of God.' James cites this event to show that faith without works is dead, while Paul cites the earlier declaration of righteousness to show that faith precedes works.
☩Later Life and Death
Sarah died at age 127, and Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah from the Hittites as a burial place, his first actual possession of the promised land. He sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from among his relatives in Mesopotamia, resulting in Rebekah becoming Isaac's bride. After Sarah's death, Abraham married Keturah, who bore him six sons, but Isaac remained the heir of promise. Abraham died at age 175 and was buried alongside Sarah by Isaac and Ishmael. He lived as a stranger and pilgrim, dwelling in tents, looking forward to the city with foundations whose builder and maker is God.
☩New Testament Significance
In the New Testament, Abraham serves as the model of faith for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul argues that Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness before circumcision, making him the father of all who believe regardless of ethnicity. Those who are of faith are sons of Abraham and heirs according to promise. Jesus declared that Abraham rejoiced to see His day, implying the patriarch's awareness of the Messiah's coming. The expression 'Abraham's bosom' represents the place of blessedness where the righteous rest after death, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
Related Verses271 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Abraham," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Abraham," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Abraham," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Abraham," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.George Morrish, "Abraham," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 6.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Abraham," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).