Identity and Origin:
Original Name: Abram (Genesis 11:26)
Renamed: Abraham by God (Genesis 17:5)
Genealogy:
Father: Terah (Genesis 11:26)
Brothers: Nahor and Haran (Genesis 11:26-27)
Haran was the father of Lot, making Lot Abraham's nephew (Genesis 11:27).
Wife: Sarai (later Sarah) (Genesis 11:29)
Sons:
Ishmael, born to Hagar (Genesis 16:15)
Isaac, born to Sarah (Genesis 21:3)
Life Events and Significance:
Departure from Ur: Abraham's journey begins with his father Terah moving from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran (Genesis 11:31). After Terah's death, God calls Abram to leave Haran for Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4).
Covenant with God:
Genesis 12:1-3: God promises to make Abram a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and bless those who bless him while cursing those who curse him. All families of the earth are to be blessed through him.
Genesis 15: God formalizes this covenant, promising Abram descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Here, Abram's faith is counted as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
Genesis 17: God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5), and establishes the covenant of circumcision as a sign of this everlasting pact (Genesis 17:10-14).
Faith and Trials:
The Promise of a Son: Despite Sarah's initial barrenness, God promises Abraham a son from Sarah in their old age (Genesis 17:15-16, Genesis 18:10-14). Isaac is born in fulfillment of this promise (Genesis 21:1-3).
The Test of Faith: Perhaps one of the most famous trials is when God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham's obedience here underscores his profound faith, leading God to reaffirm the covenant with additional blessings.
Land of Canaan: God promises Abraham the land of Canaan for his descendants (Genesis 15:18-21, Genesis 17:8), though he does not possess it in his lifetime, only sojourning there (Hebrews 11:9).
Death: Abraham dies at a good old age, 175 years old, and is buried with Sarah in the cave of Machpelah near Hebron (Genesis 25:7-10).
Legacy:
Abraham's significance extends beyond his immediate descendants. He is considered the father of three major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - due to his role in their scriptural traditions:
Judaism: Seen as the first Jew through the covenant of circumcision and the promise of nationhood.
Christianity: Abraham is often cited for his faith (Romans 4, Galatians 3), particularly in the New Testament.
This is Abraham's life, faith, and the foundational role he plays within the Biblical narrative, as depicted in the King James Bible.