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Abraham, originally named Abram, is one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament. He is often called the father of faith, the patriarch of Israel, and the recipient of God’s covenant that shaped biblical history. His life, recorded in Genesis 11:26–25:11, marks the beginning of God’s special relationship with a chosen people.
God called Abraham out of a pagan land, made him great promises, and tested his faith in extraordinary ways. His obedience and trust in God’s promises made him a model of faith throughout the Bible. The New Testament also upholds Abraham as an example of righteousness through faith (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6-9; Hebrews 11:8-19).
This study will explore Abraham’s life, character, covenant with God, trials, and significance in biblical theology based on the NKJV Bible.
Abraham’s Early Life and Calling
Background
Abraham was born as Abram in Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:27-28). He was the son of Terah and had two brothers, Nahor and Haran. Haran died young, leaving behind a son, Lot.
Ur was a highly developed but idolatrous city in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Abram likely grew up surrounded by idol worship, yet God chose him for a divine purpose.
God Calls Abram to Leave His Homeland
Abram’s story truly begins when God calls him to leave his home and go to a land He will show him:
“Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.'”
(Genesis 12:1, NKJV)
God also made a sevenfold promise to Abram:
- “I will make you a great nation.”
- “I will bless you.”
- “I will make your name great.”
- “You shall be a blessing.”
- “I will bless those who bless you.”
- “I will curse him who curses you.”
- “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3)
Abram’s Journey to Canaan
Abram obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and his possessions. They traveled to Canaan, where God reaffirmed His promise:
“To your descendants I will give this land.” (Genesis 12:7, NKJV)
Abram built an altar and worshiped the Lord. This act showed his devotion to the true God amidst a land filled with pagans.
Abraham’s Trials and Growth in Faith
Famine and Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)
A famine forced Abram to go to Egypt, where he feared for his life. He asked Sarai to say she was his sister to avoid being killed by the Egyptians. Pharaoh took Sarai into his house, but God plagued Pharaoh’s household until he released her.
This episode showed Abram’s fear and lack of faith, but it also demonstrated God’s protection over him.
Separation from Lot (Genesis 13)
Abram and Lot’s flocks grew so large that their herdsmen began to quarrel. To maintain peace, Abram let Lot choose first where he wanted to settle. Lot picked the fertile plains of Jordan near Sodom, while Abram remained in Canaan.
After Lot departed, God reaffirmed His promise:
“Lift your eyes now and look… for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” (Genesis 13:14-15, NKJV)
The Battle of the Kings and Melchizedek (Genesis 14)
When Lot was captured during a war between kings, Abram led 318 trained servants and rescued him. After his victory, he met Melchizedek, king of Salem, who blessed him:
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” (Genesis 14:19, NKJV)
Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe (tenth) of everything, foreshadowing the biblical principle of tithing.
The Covenant with Abraham
God’s Promise of Descendants (Genesis 15)
Abram was concerned because he was childless, and his heir was Eliezer of Damascus. But God reassured him:
“Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them… So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5, NKJV)
Abram believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6, NKJV). This verse is foundational for the doctrine of justification by faith.
The Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16)
Sarai, being barren, gave her maid Hagar to Abram to bear a child. Hagar conceived Ishmael, but tension arose between her and Sarai.
Ishmael was not the promised son, and God made it clear that the covenant would come through a son from Sarai herself.
The Sign of the Covenant: Circumcision (Genesis 17)
At 99 years old, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations”. Sarai’s name became Sarah.
God commanded Abraham and his descendants to practice circumcision as a sign of the covenant.
The Birth of Isaac (Genesis 21)
God miraculously gave Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, in their old age. His name meant “laughter” because Sarah had laughed at the promise.
Isaac was the child of promise through whom God’s covenant would continue.
Abraham’s Greatest Test: The Offering of Isaac (Genesis 22)
One of the most profound events in Abraham’s life was when God tested him by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac:
“Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:2, NKJV)
Abraham obeyed, trusting that God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary (Hebrews 11:17-19). At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute, symbolizing Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind.
“In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 22:18, NKJV)
This was a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate descendant of Abraham who would bring salvation to the world.
Abraham’s Legacy and Death
Abraham lived to 175 years old and was buried in the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 25:7-10). His legacy continued through Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and the twelve tribes.
Abraham in the New Testament
- Faith credited as righteousness (Romans 4:3)
- A father to all believers (Galatians 3:7-9)
- The promise fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 1:1)
Conclusion
Abraham’s life was marked by faith, obedience, trials, and God’s promises. He is a central figure in biblical history and redemption, pointing to Jesus Christ. His story teaches us to trust God fully, walk in obedience, and believe in His promises.
“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29, NKJV)