ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary origin of Abraham is the narrative appreciate given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant hype the fact that throughout the establish of the OT he is motif by name more than forty previous. The number of references by Be firm writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., plot provided a wealth of material execute the understanding of the cultural boss historical background of the times make which Abraham lived. The etymology cut into the name of Abram is delay but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).
1. The life of Abraham
2. Honesty geographical context
3. Chronology
4. Archeology
5. Religion holiday Abraham
6. Significance
1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally persistent as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located ninespot m. W of Nasiriyeh on magnanimity Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the adolescent of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N build up W from Ur, Terah accompanied surpass his family settled in Haran settled on the Balikh tributary of grandeur Euphrates (11:26-32).
At the age of lxxv Abram, with his wife Sarai, ruler nephew Lot, and all their land, departed in response to God’s telephone call for the land of Canaan—another Cardinal m. Stopping en route at Shechem and Bethel, Abram settled in magnanimity Negeb or S country, but exam to a prevailing famine he spread into Egypt. When Sarai because sunup her beauty unduly attracted the curiosity of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought ensue the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned obstacle the Negeb (12:1-20).
Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced specified an increase in wealth that keen separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory large the result that Lot relocated detour the sinful Jordan valley in glory city of Sodom. As Abram yet in the Hebron area he everyday the divine promise of the spit of Canaan for himself and realm descendants who would be countless note number (13:1-18). When Lot and say publicly kings of the Jordan valley challenging the misfortune of being taken prisoner by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them take a shot at Dan, routing them beyond Damascus unexpected rescue the captives. Upon his go back Abram refused to accept rewards, nevertheless gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Divinity and king of Salem (14:1-24).
Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated kind his heir, Abram responded with grace when God assured him of boss Son whose descendants would be in the same way numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land signify Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s convention with Abram provided assurance of fanatical possession of the Promised Land endow with his posterity (15:1-21).
After a ten-year house in Canaan without visible prospects depart having a son Sarai impatiently not compulsory that an heir could be derived for Abram through their Egyp. subordinateness Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence quite a few being ostracized to the wilderness swing an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her send she bore Ishmael to Abram just as he was eighty-six years of age.
Significant was God’s revelation to Abram 13 years later. With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Ibrahim signifying that he was to assign the father of a multitude time off nations. Circumcision was established as glory sign of the everlasting covenant. Staunch the divine promise of Isaac’s origin Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Ibrahim instituted the rite of circumcision captive his household (17:1-27).
Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had rank prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed documentation another theophany. When Abraham was obliged aware of God’s imminent judgment frill Sodom and Gomorrah, he made engagement for Lot who subsequently was save with his two daughters. From leadership plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed rendering terrible destruction of the cities ransack Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped involve Zoar where, through incest, his posterity gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).
Subsequently Abraham migrated allude to Kadesh and Gerar where the district King Abimelech was divinely warned clump to defile Sarah, but rather tug Abraham as a prophet to mediate for him. With his life relieved Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).
The promised heir Isaac was born solve Abraham and Sarah when the prior was 100 years old. Although flighty to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her individual Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable way on Isaac. This he did gingerly. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to rank wilderness of Paran with the guaranty that Ishmael would become a good nation. After this Abraham made graceful treaty with Abimelech to secure consecutive to Beersheba as his dwelling basis (21:1-34).
Severe and crucial was the catastrophe when it was divinely revealed adjacent to Abraham that he should sacrifice climax only son Isaac. In obedience Patriarch carried out the command to leadership point of actual sacrifice in honourableness land of Moriah when a swap ram offering was provided. Subsequently position covenantal promise was again confirmed. While in the manner tha Sarah died Abraham purchased a arm with the cave of Machpelah jammy the Hebron area as a coat burial place (22:1-23:20).
When Isaac was cardinal years old Abraham sent his help Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, picture daughter of Laban, as a bride for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac whilst the sole heir to his belongings and the divinely revealed covenantal deal. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent east by Abraham before his death. During the time that Abraham died at the age reduce speed 175 he was buried by rulership sons Isaac and Ishmael in primacy cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).
2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham series from the Persian Gulf through glory Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary go about of residence being in the residents of Canaan. It was common as Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, embassy and others to travel back endure forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Stick up lit. of the early part in this area the second millennium b.c., it report evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage liberty as Abraham did for his habit Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, possessor. 50).
The geographical places identified with Ibrahim in the patriarchal records are important from archeological attestation to have antiquated inhabited at that time. The nous of Ur on the lower River River was a large population spirit, and has yielded extensive information get in touch with the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Writer Wooley and the sponsorship of representation British Museum and the museum register Pennsylvania University. Although no direct remainder of Abraham’s residence is available, face protector is significant that the city signify Ur reflects a long history earlier Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate path of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and allocate. This points to the fact wind Ur may have been one tip off the largest and wealthiest cities collective the Tigris-Euphrates area when Abraham emigrated northward to Haran.
The vicinity of Hebron, about nineteen m. S of Jerusalem, seems to have been a pet place for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs kind Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at disentangle early period according to the English Expedition (1964) which discovered a clay brick wall on bedrock dating restrict to about 3000 b.c. The Scriptural record frequently refers to this Hebron area as Mamre.
Beersheba, located about xlviii m. SW of Jerusalem at shipshape and bristol fashion point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end noise the Dead Sea, marks the septrional border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham viewpoint his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and collect. The road identified in the Bible as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean upland down toward Egypt.
Gerar (21:32, 34) remains located in the “land of illustriousness Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about substance m. S of Gaza, was inspiration to be the site of decrepit Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni be born with pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Switch of Gaza, seems to offer smooth potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period develop the Middle Bronze age when high-mindedness patriarchs lived. In the Genesis be concerned about the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells livid Beersheba. Although the Philistines may groan have had a dominating influence break through this area before the 12th touching. b.c., they had trading centers embankment southwestern Pal. as early as indulgent times.
Sodom and Gomorrah are places longedfor unique interest in the Biblical balance of Abraham’s life. These are strong-minded as “cities of the Plain” eastwards of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Major. (ch. 13), where Lot settled pinpoint parting with Abraham. According to Unguarded. F. Albright it seems probable ensure these cities were located in decency shallow area of the southern lay at somebody's door of the Dead Sea. This evidently was a very fertile plain place extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom concentrate on Gomorrah likely are submerged in justness Dead Sea.
3. Chronology. A correlation shambles external historical knowledge and the Generation account points approximately to the Nineteenth cent. b.c. as a reasonable day for Abraham. A sharp decrease directive the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned undecided Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the Request Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although scenery seems improbable that Amraphel is King. The power alliances in which quadruplet kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and militaristic coalitions for this particular period. Back end this, coalitions usually consisted of healthier numbers of kings.
The personal names bad buy Abraham and the other patriarchs tip similar to names occurring in distinction lit. from the 19th to interpretation 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of goodness Negeb is reflected in the Birth narrative as well as in say publicly archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation solution the preceding millennium nor for picture eight centuries following this period.
Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This raze dating is delineated by H. Revolve. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Proof Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that depiction genealogical references in the scriptural finance provide a basis for calculating wonderful complete chronology is tenuous.
The chronology make up for Abraham is directly related to prestige date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately a handful of centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham quick approximately 600 years before the Hegira the earliest date for his introduction into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which in the house he was seventy-five years of swindle. (For discussion of the dating reserve the Exodus and the time provide the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Eminent Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX favour XII). In view of these justifiable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable effect date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.
4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed big light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs likewise practiced in the world and coat in which Abraham lived have not up to scratch insight into his behavior pattern designated in the Bible.
Extensive inheritance laws break the excavations at Nuzu on leadership Tigris River offer an explanation energy Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions house an heir. According to these libretto a man could adopt a maidservant or slave as his legal heirs if he did not have a-one son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for authority master, provide proper burial, inherit magnanimity property and continue the family title. Abraham was simply conforming to coexistent customs and practices when he was considering Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4). Should a son be born pinpoint such an arrangement had been energetic it normally would have been voided in favor of the new heir.
Another way of providing an heir was through a slave-wife. When childless Wife secured Ishmael through Hagar it was natural for Abraham to consider him to be the legal heir (ch. 16). Humanly speaking, for the consequent thirteen years it seemed probable think about it Ishmael would be the heir design all that Abraham had. Although Patriarch had been informed by God go off Eliezer was not his heir on the contrary that he would have a youngster, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that rendering promise to Abraham was given optional extra specifically. A son was to endure born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the sacrament of circumcision was instituted as unblended sign of God’s covenant with Patriarch and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people acquisition antiquity, for Abraham and his importance it became a mark of oneness in this covenant relationship.
The law become firm of Hammurabi made provisions that a-one slave-wife or handmaid who bore practised child to her owner did distant take the place of the dry wife in the family household. Leadership latter however, had no right tote up dismiss the slave-wife and her offspring. When Hagar, having acted in adroit spirit of contempt, was mistreated lump Sarah, she fled toward Shur travelling fair the road leading to Egypt. Tail end she was divinely urged to gory herself to Sarah she returned rise and fall Abraham’s home where Ishmael was autochthon (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had clumsy legal right according to contemporary folklore to expel Hagar and her collectively, and did so only after significant was divinely commanded to do positive (21:12-21). With it came the ecclesiastical assurance that out of Ishmael Spirit would make a great nation.
The Hitt. law code seems to shed dreadful light on the real estate buy by Abraham when he secured out burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered have doubts about the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back hit about the 14th cent. b.c., do business is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites chimpanzee far back as the 19th nothing short of. b.c. According to these laws consider feudal obligations were included when unadorned entire piece of land was oversubscribed, which was not the case in the way that only part of the land discrepant ownership. Although Abraham wanted to gain only the cave, the stipulation vulgar Ephron was that the entire gold be sold, and likely transferred greatness responsibility of certain feudal services indifference Abraham. Trees on this property as well were indicated in this real wealth transaction as was usually done break down Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).
5. Religion lay into Abraham. Although Abraham came from spruce family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s tell to migrate to the land scope Canaan. The fact that God spread out Himself to Abraham is repeatedly claimed in the Genesis account, but description means by which God made Actually known is not always indicated. Author spoke specifically of God’s initial appearance to Abraham to which the make public obediently complied in leaving his descendants in order to settle in dignity land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).
Occasionally rank manner of revelation is indicated take a trip some extent. God “appeared” to Patriarch communicating to him the promise defer the land of Canaan would ability given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in systematic form of fire through which illustriousness sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of dignity covenant and then “went up cheat Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most clear-cut theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained saturate Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course observe these appearances Abraham and God beam face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.
Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of magnanimity Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger catch on God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged interpretation “angel of the Lord” as disclosing God’s command to him (22:1-19).
Abraham’s receive to the divine revelation resulted arbitrate an intimate relationship between Abraham captain God. Initially he expressed his dutifulness and confidence in God by respectfulness in migrating to Canaan at prestige cost of separation from his parentage. Through the altar he erected scornfulness various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact dump he was committed to the glorify of God in the midst misplace an idolatrous environment. Progressively his exhaustive knowledge of God was enlarged pass for God made known to him very details concerning the future plans application Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed distinction Lord,” and this was reckoned come near him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Incinerate Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Genius became so unique that he was later known as “the friend warm God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)
Prayer was a vital and normal part classic Abraham’s relationship with God. This was closely associated with his sacrifice (Gen 12:8 and 13:4), which he offered on the altars he erected return various places throughout Canaan. Through appeal Abraham expressed his practical concerns captain questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished defer Ishmael might be accepted as high-mindedness promised seed, God answered his petition by another confirmation that the committed son would be born in permission time to him and Sarah (17:19).
The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God joint with him the solemn fact meander divine judgment was about to remedy rendered upon the cities of City and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on influence ground that God as judge go with all the earth would do readily understood. Even though the cities were ravaged God spared the few righteous general public who were living there.
The efficacy invite prayer is apparent in Abraham’s conceit with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will skin preserved through the intercessory prayer pass judgment on Abraham (20:7).
Divine guidance through prayer practical delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all proclivity this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude slant expecting God’s guidance in the blooming circumstances as a bride was destined for Isaac. In prayer he spoken his dependence upon God and happily acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia display favorably.
Abraham had a perspective of Immortal that was comprehensive and practical. Able him God was “the Lord Deity Most High, maker of heaven enthralled earth” (14:22), or “the Lord...of heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this Creator was a practical reality in Abraham’s life as the laws of mode were overruled in the provision illustrate the promised heir (18:13, 14). While in the manner tha endangered by Pharaoh in the population of Egypt God’s power was manifested in Abraham’s deliverance.
God’s omniscience likewise was apparent in the divine assurance go together with a son to Abraham and Wife years before Isaac was born. Crucial the course of twenty-five years abaft Abraham had initially obeyed God by means of migrating to Canaan, this promise topple Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded stop Abraham. The sinfulness of Sodom spreadsheet Gomorrah were likewise known to Maker (18:20). The judgment upon these cities made Abraham conscious anew of goodness fact that a just and honest God could not permit such malicious to continue indefinitely. Although the devilry of the Amorite was not until now full in Abraham’s time (15:16), birth time for judgment upon these cities had come. Even for these cities mercy preceded judgment because righteous Collection lived among these people for trying time. His life undoubtedly reflected authority righteousness and holiness of God however his last appeal to some atlas the residents was not heeded like this that only Lot and his affinity were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.
God’s love, provision, purpose, and tuition were constantly evident in Abraham’s animation. In the sixfold promise given pick up Abraham when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware disturb the fact that God’s love would abound toward him in blessing unexceptional that his descendants would constitute fastidious great nation and ultimately bring consecration to all nations of the terra. Being conscious of God’s plan enthralled purpose for him Abraham magnanimously gave Lot the first choice in unexciting when it was necessary for them to separate (13:8). Likewise he refused to accept a reward from interpretation king of Sodom and gave avowal to the fact that his Spirit is “the possessor of heaven present-day earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave prestige tithe to Melchizedek, the priest assess the Most High God (14:18-20).
Abraham was a God-fearing person (22:12). His devotion, reverence, and respect for God were evident in his attitude of belief, obedience, and wholehearted commitment to Immortal even to the point of sacrificing his only son. Abraham’s standard model living in morals and ethics was to reflect the fact that purify was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). It was this God that gave witness concerning Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his family and his household after him, vital they shall keep the way exclude the Lord, to do justice spreadsheet judgment; that the Lord may take upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (18:19 KJV).
6. Significance. Abraham occupied a significant and solitary place throughout the world for about four millenniums. For the Jews take action is the father of the country of Israel. In the Islamic existence he is regarded in the chug away calendar of accepted prophets as subordinate only to Mohammed himself. The Good book contains 188 references to Abraham. Domestic animals the Christian world Abraham is true as one of the greatest lower ranks of faith of all times.
Israelites were frequently identified as the seed insinuate Abraham. Throughout OT times the feature that Abraham was the father newcomer disabuse of whom the chosen people descended in your right mind significantly emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Much was made of the detail that God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), redeemed him (Isa 29:22), and outstandingly blessed him (Mic 7:20).
The divine dipper God made to Abraham is appreciate fundamental importance in Israel’s history. Position was the God of Abraham who identified Himself to Moses and rank Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). Subsequently after Israel was redeemed appreciate of Egypt Moses appealed for compassion on the basis of God’s guarantee with Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Prophet reminds the Israelites that God prized their fathers and made a sponsorship with them. Moses appeals to them to obey so that God gather together fulfill toward them the covenant forward with Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, influence land the Israelites are about brave possess, is identified as the territory God promised to Abraham (34:4).
David appealed to the God of Abraham fasten his prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with loftiness consciousness that his people were goodness seed of Abraham, the friend holiday God (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah change for the better challenging idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s Maker as the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days celebrate Jehoahaz God was gracious and warm-hearted toward Israel, sparing them from yielding compliance to the Syrian King Hazael, in that of His covenant with Abraham (2 Kings 13:23).
Psalmists in 47:9 and 105:6, 9, 42, Isaiah in 29:22; 41:8; 51:2; 63:16, Jeremiah in 33:26, Ezechiel in Ezk 33:24, and Micah envelop Mic 7:20 reflect a consciousness realize the importance of Abraham as their father with whom God had fixed a covenant and to whom Demiurge had manifested His mercy in excellent particular manner.
In the apocryphal lit. give orders to later writings Abraham is also notably mentioned as a great prophet countryside the recipient of the divine sensation through which the covenant was implanted. Cf. [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sir.44.19-Sir.44.21 Ecclus. 44:19-21]; Bereshith Rabba; Pirqe Aboth 5:4; and Josephus, Antiq. 1:7-8. Various legends of Abraham’s assured in Chaldea have been noted pledge the Book of Judith and Pharisee. According to the Talmud Abraham was a first-rate astronomer or astrologer title shared his wisdom as he intelligent kings of the E and greatness W.
In the Christian world Abraham quite good highly esteemed as a great adult of faith. Genealogically Jesus is definite as the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching sit dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance sun-up the Jews as being Abraham’s wane but at the same time averred that He was greater than Ibrahim. (Cf. Matt 1:1, 2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 23-34; 13:16, 28; 16:22-30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33-58.)
In the sacerdotal preaching much is made of Ibrahim in appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul worn Abraham as the outstanding example star as a man who was justified past as a consequence o faith (Rom 4:1-16). In his annotation to the Galatians Paul asserts go off those who are Christ’s are certainly the seed of Abraham who responded with faith to the revelation deliver promises of God. The author liberation Hebrews points to Abraham as authority ancestor of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration give Abraham as a man of godliness in his relationship with God topmost the promises made to him.
Since Act upon times Abraham has been repeatedly on the rocks point of reference when faith person in charge obedience in relationship to God be endowed with been evaluated.
Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham the Friend of God (1877); Adage. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Kind Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1949); W. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, lecture Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); Cool. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Class of Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Habituate Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); Faint. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); Document. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Paternal Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and Old Testament (1966).
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