The Call of Abram

The Call of Abram, recorded in Genesis 12:1-9, marks the beginning of God’s covenant relationship with Abram, later known as Abraham, the father of many nations.

1. Biblical Reference: The Call of Abram is recorded in Genesis 12:1-9.
2. Divine Command: God instructed Abram to leave his country, family, and father’s house to go to a land that He would show him.
3. Promises: God promised to make Abram a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing.
4. Blessing and Curse: God declared that He would bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him.
5. Age of Abram: Abram was 75 years old when he set out from Haran.
6. Companions: Abram was accompanied by his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions and people they had acquired.
7. Journey: Abram traveled through the land of Canaan, stopping at Shechem and the oak of Moreh.
8. Divine Appearance: The Lord appeared to Abram in Canaan and promised to give the land to his descendants.
9. Altars: Abram built altars to the Lord at Shechem and near Bethel, where he called upon the name of the Lord.
10. Significance: The call marks the beginning of God’s covenant relationship with Abram, who would later be named Abraham, the father of many nations.

The Call of Abram is a foundational event in the narrative of the Bible, signifying the beginning of God’s covenant relationship with Abram, who would later be named Abraham. This event marks a significant shift from the focus on the primeval history of humanity to the specific story of one man and his descendants, through whom God would bring about His redemptive plan for all nations.

Context and Divine Command

In Genesis 12:1, God commands Abram to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s household to go to a land that God would show him. This command required a radical step of faith from Abram, as it meant leaving behind his familiar surroundings and security. The call involved a threefold separation: from his land, his kindred, and his father’s house. This act of obedience would demonstrate Abram’s trust in God and His promises.

Promises and Covenant

God’s call to Abram is accompanied by several profound promises:

1. Nationhood: God promises to make Abram into a great nation.
2. Blessing: God assures Abram that He will bless him.
3. Renown: Abram’s name will be made great.
4. Being a Blessing: Abram will not only be blessed but will also be a source of blessing to others.
5. Divine Protection: Those who bless Abram will be blessed, and those who curse him will be cursed.
6. Global Impact: All the families of the earth will be blessed through Abram.

These promises outline the scope of the covenant relationship God intends to establish with Abram. The promises of nationhood and land are central to the identity of the people of Israel, and the global aspect of the blessing points forward to the universal scope of God’s salvation plan.

Abram’s Response

At the age of 75, Abram obeys God’s call without hesitation. He departs from Haran, taking his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their accumulated possessions and people. This journey of faith leads them to the land of Canaan. Abram’s obedience exemplifies his faith and trust in God’s guidance and promises.

Journey through Canaan

Abram’s journey through Canaan is marked by significant stops at key locations:

1. Shechem: At Shechem, near the oak of Moreh, God appears to Abram and promises to give the land to his descendants. This appearance reaffirms God’s commitment to His promise and assures Abram of the divine support.
2. Bethel: Moving from Shechem, Abram pitches his tent between Bethel and Ai. Here, Abram builds another altar and calls upon the name of the Lord, signifying his ongoing relationship with and worship of God.

Building of Altars

The act of building altars at Shechem and Bethel symbolizes Abram’s worship and his recognition of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. These altars serve as physical markers of God’s promise and Abram’s commitment to God’s call. By calling upon the name of the Lord, Abram publicly acknowledges his dependence on God and his dedication to following Him.

Theological Insights

The Call of Abram is rich with theological significance:

1. Faith and Obedience: Abram’s immediate and unquestioning obedience to God’s call is a model of faith. His willingness to leave behind everything familiar demonstrates his trust in God’s promises.
2. Divine Initiative: The call originates with God, underscoring the divine initiative in the relationship between God and humanity. It is God who chooses Abram and sets the terms of the covenant.
3. Blessing for All Nations: The promise that all families of the earth will be blessed through Abram foreshadows the universal scope of the gospel. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, through whom the blessing of salvation is extended to all nations.

Conclusion

The Call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-9 is a foundational moment in the biblical narrative, establishing the covenant relationship between God and Abram and setting the stage for the unfolding story of redemption. Abram’s faith and obedience in response to God’s call serve as an enduring example of trust in God’s promises. This event marks the beginning of a journey that would shape the identity of the people of Israel and ultimately impact the entire world through the blessings promised to Abram.