By Our Senior Biblical Correspondent
The story of Abraham, originally named Abram, stands as a monumental pillar in the tapestry of Holy Scripture. Revered as the foundational patriarch of the Jewish people, and the spiritual father of all who believe, his life is a testament to unwavering faith and obedience to the Almighty God. His calling marks a profound turning point in the Book of Genesis, shifting the narrative focus to the specific lineage through which God’s redemptive plan would unfold.
The Divine Call and Covenant
Abraham’s journey began not in the land of promise, but in Ur of the Chaldees, a city steeped in idolatry. The Lord’s sovereign call plucked him from this environment, commanding a migration to an unknown land. The book of Genesis records the initial, far-reaching promises given to him:
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-3, KJV)
Abram’s response was immediate and without question—an act of faith that defined his entire life: “So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him.” (Genesis 12:4, KJV).
The Change of Name: Father of Many Nations
Later, when Abram was ninety years old and nine, God appeared unto him and formally established an everlasting covenant, which included the significant changing of his name. This new name carried the weight of the divine promise itself.
“Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” (Genesis 17:5, KJV)
This covenant was unconditional, promising Abraham, his seed, and their generations the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and confirming that God would be their God (Genesis 17:7-8). The physical sign of this covenant for all the males of his house was the rite of circumcision (Genesis 17:10-14).
The Test of Faith and Righteousness
Abraham’s faith was not only in receiving the promises but also in the face of insurmountable human odds, as both he and his wife, Sarai (whose name God changed to Sarah, meaning ‘Princess’), were well advanced in years and barren. His faith was “imputed unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3, KJV, quoting Genesis 15:6).
The pinnacle of Abraham’s obedience, however, came when God commanded him to offer his son of promise, Isaac, as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Though the command tested him to the very core, Abraham proceeded with unhesitating, profound trust in God’s power and promise.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” (Hebrews 11:17-19, KJV)
Because of this matchless obedience, Abraham was called “the Friend of God” (James 2:23, KJV). His example serves as the ultimate illustration of justifying faith which is perfected by works, demonstrating genuine reliance upon the word of the LORD. His life remains a critical foundation for understanding the path to eternal blessing through belief in God’s promises.