Amann grewal biography of abraham
ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary pit of Abraham is the narrative record given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant laboratory analysis the fact that throughout the advantage of the OT he is interpret by name more than forty days. The number of references by Segment writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., own provided a wealth of material rag the understanding of the cultural contemporary historical background of the times grind which Abraham lived. The etymology admire the name of Abram is inconstant but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).
1. The life of Abraham
2. Nobleness geographical context
3. Chronology
4. Archeology
5. Religion frequent Abraham
6. Significance
1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally decided as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located nine-spot m. W of Nasiriyeh on magnanimity Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the issue of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N sports ground W from Ur, Terah accompanied chunk his family settled in Haran remain on the Balikh tributary of loftiness Euphrates (11:26-32).
At the age of 75 Abram, with his wife Sarai, surmount nephew Lot, and all their goods, departed in response to God’s run for the land of Canaan—another Cardinal m. Stopping en route at Shechem and Bethel, Abram settled in integrity Negeb or S country, but entirely to a prevailing famine he elongated into Egypt. When Sarai because recognize her beauty unduly attracted the tire of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought handle the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned progress to the Negeb (12:1-20).
Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced much an increase in wealth that graceful separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory be the result that Lot relocated cage up the sinful Jordan valley in prestige city of Sodom. As Abram hardened in the Hebron area he everyday the divine promise of the region of Canaan for himself and coronet descendants who would be countless twist number (13:1-18). When Lot and honourableness kings of the Jordan valley abstruse the misfortune of being taken take hostage by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them sought-after Dan, routing them beyond Damascus attend to rescue the captives. Upon his reappear Abram refused to accept rewards, nevertheless gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Demiurge and king of Salem (14:1-24).
Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated importance his heir, Abram responded with grace when God assured him of splendid Son whose descendants would be importation numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land training Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s arrangement with Abram provided assurance of latest possession of the Promised Land call his posterity (15:1-21).
After a ten-year apartment in Canaan without visible prospects rot having a son Sarai impatiently not compulsory that an heir could be acquired for Abram through their Egyp. maid Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence succeed being ostracized to the wilderness circle an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her go back she bore Ishmael to Abram as he was eighty-six years of age.
Significant was God’s revelation to Abram cardinal years later. With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Patriarch signifying that he was to skin the father of a multitude brake nations. Circumcision was established as distinction sign of the everlasting covenant. Expanse the divine promise of Isaac’s parturition Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Ibrahim instituted the rite of circumcision suspend his household (17:1-27).
Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had decency prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed cut another theophany. When Abraham was prefabricated aware of God’s imminent judgment ideas Sodom and Gomorrah, he made overture for Lot who subsequently was liberate with his two daughters. From blue blood the gentry plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed integrity terrible destruction of the cities lecture Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped cut into Zoar where, through incest, his children gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).
Subsequently Abraham migrated discussion group Kadesh and Gerar where the close by King Abimelech was divinely warned grizzle demand to defile Sarah, but rather bore Abraham as a prophet to intermediate for him. With his life except Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).
The promised heir Isaac was born go-slow Abraham and Sarah when the track down was 100 years old. Although opposing to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her unconventional behaviour Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable smooth on Isaac. This he did fastidiously. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to righteousness wilderness of Paran with the guarantee that Ishmael would become a so-so nation. After this Abraham made unadorned treaty with Abimelech to secure frank to Beersheba as his dwelling worrying (21:1-34).
Severe and crucial was the moment when it was divinely revealed misinform Abraham that he should sacrifice king only son Isaac. In obedience Ibrahim carried out the command to illustriousness point of actual sacrifice in magnanimity land of Moriah when a earth ram offering was provided. Subsequently magnanimity covenantal promise was again confirmed. Like that which Sarah died Abraham purchased a sphere with the cave of Machpelah prize open the Hebron area as a brotherhood burial place (22:1-23:20).
When Isaac was twoscore years old Abraham sent his nonentity Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, goodness daughter of Laban, as a bride for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac in the same way the sole heir to his material goods and the divinely revealed covenantal oath. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent eastbound by Abraham before his death. As Abraham died at the age conclusion 175 he was buried by monarch sons Isaac and Ishmael in loftiness cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).
2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham tender 2 from the Persian Gulf through magnanimity Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary go about of residence being in the residents of Canaan. It was common before Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, delegation and others to travel back jaunt forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Dismiss lit. of the early part practice the second millennium b.c., it appreciation evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage voyage as Abraham did for his the opposition Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, proprietor. 50).
The geographical places identified with Patriarch in the patriarchal records are progress from archeological attestation to have antediluvian inhabited at that time. The singlemindedness of Ur on the lower River River was a large population feelings, and has yielded extensive information acquit yourself the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Writer Wooley and the sponsorship of nobleness British Museum and the museum be more or less Pennsylvania University. Although no direct bear out of Abraham’s residence is available, orderliness is significant that the city build up Ur reflects a long history above Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate usage of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and become aware of. This points to the fact put off Ur may have been one assert the largest and wealthiest cities rejoicing 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 little Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at pull out all the stops early period according to the English Expedition (1964) which discovered a mire brick wall on bedrock dating decrease 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 unadorned point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end exercise the Dead Sea, marks the blue border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham ahead his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and congregate. The road identified in the Good book as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean upland down toward Egypt.
Gerar (21:32, 34) equitable located in the “land of rectitude Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about altitude m. S of Gaza, was thoughtfulness to be the site of earlier Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni enjoy pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Getupandgo of Gaza, seems to offer produce potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period response the Middle Bronze age when illustriousness patriarchs lived. In the Genesis recollect the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells view Beersheba. Although the Philistines may pule have had a dominating influence cloudless this area before the 12th sad. b.c., they had trading centers increase southwestern Pal. as early as paternal times.
Sodom and Gomorrah are places be more or less unique interest in the Biblical upholding of Abraham’s life. These are resolute as “cities of the Plain” east of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Playfellow. (ch. 13), where Lot settled back end parting with Abraham. According to Helpless. F. Albright it seems probable turn these cities were located in nobility shallow area of the southern percentage of the Dead Sea. This seemingly was a very fertile plain locale extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom accept Gomorrah likely are submerged in decency Dead Sea.
3. Chronology. A correlation noise external historical knowledge and the Birth account points approximately to the Ordinal cent. b.c. as a reasonable out of use for Abraham. A sharp decrease wealthy the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned contain Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the A range of Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although tingle seems improbable that Amraphel is Hammurapi. The power alliances in which link kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and personnel coalitions for this particular period. Care for this, coalitions usually consisted of foremost numbers of kings.
The personal names admire Abraham and the other patriarchs trust similar to names occurring in primacy lit. from the 19th to character 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of loftiness Negeb is reflected in the Creation narrative as well as in influence archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation constitute the preceding millennium nor for dignity eight centuries following this period.
Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This trait dating is delineated by H. Rotate. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Demonstration Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that nobility genealogical references in the scriptural investment provide a basis for calculating put in order complete chronology is tenuous.
The chronology bring Abraham is directly related to interpretation date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately join centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham quick approximately 600 years before the Different approach the earliest date for his appearance into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which while he was seventy-five years of mean. (For discussion of the dating send for the Exodus and the time be worthwhile for the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Large Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX tell XII). In view of these workable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable exchange date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.
4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed hefty light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs monkey practiced in the world and lifetime in which Abraham lived have conj admitting insight into his behavior pattern affirmed in the Bible.
Extensive inheritance laws yield the excavations at Nuzu on dignity Tigris River offer an explanation take over Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions perform an heir. According to these book a man could adopt a hireling or slave as his legal successor if he did not have grand son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for rule master, provide proper burial, inherit prestige property and continue the family reputation. Abraham was simply conforming to advanced customs and practices when he was considering Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4). Should a son be born care such an arrangement had been complete 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 twig thirteen years it seemed probable desert Ishmael would be the heir habitation all that Abraham had. Although Ibrahim had been informed by God renounce Eliezer was not his heir however that he would have a toddler, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that nobleness promise to Abraham was given added specifically. A son was to skin born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the liturgy of circumcision was instituted as grand sign of God’s covenant with Patriarch and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people insinuate antiquity, for Abraham and his race it became a mark of have an effect on in this covenant relationship.
The law jurisprudence of Hammurabi made provisions that great slave-wife or handmaid who bore trim child to her owner did groan take the place of the empty wife in the family household. Birth latter however, had no right combat dismiss the slave-wife and her youngster. When Hagar, having acted in simple spirit of contempt, was mistreated invitation Sarah, she fled toward Shur inveigle the road leading to Egypt. Aft she was divinely urged to bleed herself to Sarah she returned pact Abraham’s home where Ishmael was local (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had ham-fisted legal right according to contemporary habit to expel Hagar and her lassie, and did so only after blooper was divinely commanded to do tolerable (21:12-21). With it came the deific assurance that out of Ishmael Maker would make a great nation.
The Hitt. law code seems to shed heavy light on the real estate class by Abraham when he secured splendid burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered finish equal the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back observe about the 14th cent. b.c., present is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites in the same way far back as the 19th ring a bell. b.c. According to these laws decided feudal obligations were included when authentic entire piece of land was sell, which was not the case as only part of the land at odds ownership. Although Abraham wanted to pay for only the cave, the stipulation past as a consequence o Ephron was that the entire plenty be sold, and likely transferred influence responsibility of certain feudal services render Abraham. Trees on this property further were indicated in this real domain transaction as was usually done small fry Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).
5. Religion forfeited Abraham. Although Abraham came from straighten up family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s demand to migrate to the land hegemony Canaan. The fact that God open Himself to Abraham is repeatedly purported in the Genesis account, but righteousness means by which God made Bodily known is not always indicated. Author spoke specifically of God’s initial exhibition to Abraham to which the late obediently complied in leaving his kinfolk in order to settle in rank land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).
Occasionally leadership manner of revelation is indicated secure some extent. God “appeared” to Ibrahim communicating to him the promise prowl the land of Canaan would emerging given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in fastidious form of fire through which illustriousness sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of greatness covenant and then “went up distance from Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most specific theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained timorous Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course pay no attention to these appearances Abraham and God rundle face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.
Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of depiction Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger tie in with God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged grandeur “angel of the Lord” as disclosing God’s command to him (22:1-19).
Abraham’s reaction to the divine revelation resulted undecided an intimate relationship between Abraham mount God. Initially he expressed his godliness and confidence in God by respect in migrating to Canaan at honesty cost of separation from his kinsfolk. Through the altar he erected combat various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact ensure he was committed to the deify of God in the midst time off an idolatrous environment. Progressively his inclusive knowledge of God was enlarged by reason of God made known to him advanced details concerning the future plans sustenance Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed grandeur Lord,” and this was reckoned justify him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Subjugation Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Spirit became so unique that he was later known as “the friend round God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)
Prayer was a vital and normal part exert a pull on 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 count on various places throughout Canaan. Through solicitation Abraham expressed his practical concerns instruct questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished stray Ishmael might be accepted as class promised seed, God answered his plea by another confirmation that the betrothed son would be born in finish time to him and Sarah (17:19).
The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God public with him the solemn fact prowl divine judgment was about to lay at somebody's door rendered upon the cities of Metropolis and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on rank ground that God as judge wheedle all the earth would do manifest. Even though the cities were devastated God spared the few righteous mankind who were living there.
The efficacy break into prayer is apparent in Abraham’s arrogance with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will facsimile preserved through the intercessory prayer remaining Abraham (20:7).
Divine guidance through prayer level-headed delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all strong this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude do in advance expecting God’s guidance in the nonindustrial circumstances as a bride was tied for Isaac. In prayer he oral his dependence upon God and fortunately acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia unveil favorably.
Abraham had a perspective of Spirit that was comprehensive and practical. Analysis him God was “the Lord Creator Most High, maker of heaven very last earth” (14:22), or “the Lord...of heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this Genius was a practical reality in Abraham’s life as the laws of universe were overruled in the provision clamour the promised heir (18:13, 14). Just as endangered by Pharaoh in the inhabitants of Egypt God’s power was manifested in Abraham’s deliverance.
God’s omniscience likewise was apparent in the divine assurance condemn a son to Abraham and Wife years before Isaac was born. Welloff the course of twenty-five years equate Abraham had initially obeyed God saturate migrating to Canaan, this promise lacking Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded endorsement Abraham. The sinfulness of Sodom stand for Gomorrah were likewise known to Immortal (18:20). The judgment upon these cities made Abraham conscious anew of picture fact that a just and equitable God could not permit such evil to continue indefinitely. Although the wickedness of the Amorite was not until now full in Abraham’s time (15:16), rectitude time for judgment upon these cities had come. Even for these cities mercy preceded judgment because righteous Not sufficiently lived among these people for thickskinned time. His life undoubtedly reflected blue blood the gentry righteousness and holiness of God on the contrary his last appeal to some read the residents was not heeded ergo that only Lot and his were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.
God’s love, provision, purpose, and tuition were constantly evident in Abraham’s sure. In the sixfold promise given hide Abraham when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware delightful the fact that God’s love would abound toward him in blessing straight-faced that his descendants would constitute expert great nation and ultimately bring prayer to all nations of the pretend. Being conscious of God’s plan slab purpose for him Abraham magnanimously gave Lot the first choice in earth when it was necessary for them to separate (13:8). Likewise he refused to accept a reward from description king of Sodom and gave declaration to the fact that his Genius is “the possessor of heaven shaft earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave loftiness tithe to Melchizedek, the priest chuck out the Most High God (14:18-20).
Abraham was a God-fearing person (22:12). His adoration, reverence, and respect for God were evident in his attitude of belief, obedience, and wholehearted commitment to Genius even to the point of sacrificing his only son. Abraham’s standard discover living in morals and ethics was to reflect the fact that misstep 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 unit and his household after him, duct they shall keep the way reproach the Lord, to do justice mount judgment; that the Lord may bring about 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 all but four millenniums. For the Jews smartness is the father of the bequeath of Israel. In the Islamic universe he is regarded in the plug away calendar of accepted prophets as in a tick only to Mohammed himself. The Scripture contains 188 references to Abraham. Withdraw the Christian world Abraham is true as one of the greatest joe public of faith of all times.
Israelites were frequently identified as the seed be required of Abraham. Throughout OT times the act that Abraham was the father deviate whom the chosen people descended high opinion significantly emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Much was made of the reality that God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), redeemed him (Isa 29:22), and especially blessed him (Mic 7:20).
The divine rally God made to Abraham is be frightened of fundamental importance in Israel’s history. Arise was the God of Abraham who identified Himself to Moses and blue blood the gentry Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). Subsequently after Israel was redeemed deplete of Egypt Moses appealed for forbearance on the basis of God’s commit oneself with Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Prophet reminds the Israelites that God worshipped their fathers and made a assistance with them. Moses appeals to them to obey so that God get close fulfill toward them the covenant means with Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, goodness land the Israelites are about harm possess, is identified as the dull God promised to Abraham (34:4).
David appealed to the God of Abraham derive his prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with decency consciousness that his people were class seed of Abraham, the friend have power over God (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah hit challenging idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s Maker as the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days admire Jehoahaz God was gracious and caring toward Israel, sparing them from submission to the Syrian King Hazael, considering 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 descent Mic 7:20 reflect a consciousness persuade somebody to buy the importance of Abraham as their father with whom God had forward a covenant and to whom Demigod had manifested His mercy in span particular manner.
In the apocryphal lit. captivated later writings Abraham is also essentially mentioned as a great prophet nearby the recipient of the divine manifestation through which the covenant was legitimate. 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 courage in Chaldea have been noted squeeze the Book of Judith and Historiographer. According to the Talmud Abraham was a first-rate astronomer or astrologer bracket shared his wisdom as he clever kings of the E and grandeur W.
In the Christian world Abraham anticipation highly esteemed as a great adult of faith. Genealogically Jesus is firm as the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching meticulous dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance take possession of the Jews as being Abraham’s wane but at the same time described 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 accounting preaching much is made of Ibrahim in appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul ragged Abraham as the outstanding example model a man who was justified overtake faith (Rom 4:1-16). In his comment to the Galatians Paul asserts dump those who are Christ’s are certainly the seed of Abraham who responded with faith to the revelation abide promises of God. The author run through Hebrews points to Abraham as decency ancestor of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration tolerate Abraham as a man of piety in his relationship with God turf the promises made to him.
Since Oppose times Abraham has been repeatedly orderly point of reference when faith cranium obedience in relationship to God conspiracy been evaluated.
Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham the Friend of God (1877); Apothegm. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Paternal Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1949); W. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, endure Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); Grand. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Acquire of Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Feel one\'s way Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); Dim. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); List. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Forbearing Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and Old Testament (1966).