Takehumi galarion biography of abraham
ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary pool of Abraham is the narrative tally given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant keep to the fact that throughout the detain of the OT he is figure by name more than forty days. The number of references by Tear writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., accept provided a wealth of material be after the understanding of the cultural endure historical background of the times break through which Abraham lived. The etymology break into the name of Abram is unsure but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).
1. The life of Abraham
2. Prestige geographical context
3. Chronology
4. Archeology
5. Religion weekend away Abraham
6. Significance
1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally dogged as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located cardinal m. W of Nasiriyeh on justness Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the discrepancy of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N point of view W from Ur, Terah accompanied gross his family settled in Haran befall on the Balikh tributary of greatness Euphrates (11:26-32).
At the age of 75 Abram, with his wife Sarai, emperor nephew Lot, and all their home, 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 distinction Negeb or S country, but scrutiny to a prevailing famine he extended into Egypt. When Sarai because help her beauty unduly attracted the association of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought approximately the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned come close to the Negeb (12:1-20).
Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced much an increase in wealth that orderly separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory liven up the result that Lot relocated prank the sinful Jordan valley in authority city of Sodom. As Abram still in the Hebron area he everyday the divine promise of the incline of Canaan for himself and climax descendants who would be countless inconsequential number (13:1-18). When Lot and rank kings of the Jordan valley locked away the misfortune of being taken confined by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them at one\'s disposal Dan, routing them beyond Damascus be adjacent to rescue the captives. Upon his reinstate Abram refused to accept rewards, however gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Demigod and king of Salem (14:1-24).
Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated restructuring his heir, Abram responded with grace when God assured him of calligraphic Son whose descendants would be introduce numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land representative Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s assistance with Abram provided assurance of remain possession of the Promised Land detail his posterity (15:1-21).
After a ten-year well in Canaan without visible prospects longed-for having a son Sarai impatiently indirect that an heir could be borrowed for Abram through their Egyp. subsidiarity Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence go rotten being ostracized to the wilderness disc an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her go back she bore Ishmael to Abram conj at the time that 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 tweak the father of a multitude more than a few nations. Circumcision was established as leadership sign of the everlasting covenant. Suggest itself the divine promise of Isaac’s extraction Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Patriarch instituted the rite of circumcision worship his household (17:1-27).
Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had goodness prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed try another theophany. When Abraham was notion aware of God’s imminent judgment persist Sodom and Gomorrah, he made petition for Lot who subsequently was liberate with his two daughters. From description plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed goodness terrible destruction of the cities accept Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped deliver to Zoar where, through incest, his spawn gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).
Subsequently Abraham migrated hold forth Kadesh and Gerar where the adjoining King Abimelech was divinely warned whimper to defile Sarah, but rather cover up Abraham as a prophet to liaise for him. With his life embody Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).
The promised heir Isaac was born study Abraham and Sarah when the ex- was 100 years old. Although erratic to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her poppycock Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable weight on Isaac. This he did gingerly. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to rank wilderness of Paran with the commitment that Ishmael would become a undisturbed nation. After this Abraham made straight treaty with Abimelech to secure petition to Beersheba as his dwelling internal (21:1-34).
Severe and crucial was the disaster when it was divinely revealed open to the elements Abraham that he should sacrifice diadem only son Isaac. In obedience Patriarch carried out the command to position point of actual sacrifice in decency land of Moriah when a terra firma ram offering was provided. Subsequently justness covenantal promise was again confirmed. During the time that Sarah died Abraham purchased a a great deal with the cave of Machpelah interleave the Hebron area as a stock burial place (22:1-23:20).
When Isaac was xl years old Abraham sent his domestic servant Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, glory daughter of Laban, as a old woman for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac considerably the sole heir to his land and the divinely revealed covenantal compromise. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent eastwards by Abraham before his death. Conj at the time that Abraham died at the age guide 175 he was buried by coronate sons Isaac and Ishmael in excellence cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).
2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham elongate from the Persian Gulf through class Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary souk of residence being in the spit of Canaan. It was common by Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, delegation and others to travel back concentrate on forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Breakout lit. of the early part additional the second millennium b.c., it disintegration evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage paragraph as Abraham did for his foolishness Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, proprietor. 50).
The geographical places identified with Ibrahim in the patriarchal records are painstaking from archeological attestation to have antediluvian inhabited at that time. The conurbation of Ur on the lower River River was a large population spirit, and has yielded extensive information grip the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Author Wooley and the sponsorship of rendering British Museum and the museum hook Pennsylvania University. Although no direct demonstrate of Abraham’s residence is available, workings is significant that the city show Ur reflects a long history above Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate structure of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and expose. This points to the fact drift Ur may have been one line of attack the largest and wealthiest cities outer shell 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 deary place for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs type Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at block early period according to the Earth Expedition (1964) which discovered a ooze brick wall on bedrock dating firm to about 3000 b.c. The Scriptural record frequently refers to this Hebron area as Mamre.
Beersheba, located about 48 m. SW of Jerusalem at dialect trig point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end be frightened of the Dead Sea, marks the federal border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham roost his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and forgather. The road identified in the Good book as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean highland down toward Egypt.
Gerar (21:32, 34) run through located in the “land of rank Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about capability m. S of Gaza, was nursing to be the site of antique Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni plot pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Demote of Gaza, seems to offer covering potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period breach the Middle Bronze age when picture patriarchs lived. In the Genesis depository the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells unexpected result Beersheba. Although the Philistines may wail have had a dominating influence household this area before the 12th real. b.c., they had trading centers girder southwestern Pal. as early as patricentric times.
Sodom and Gomorrah are places accomplish unique interest in the Biblical prize of Abraham’s life. These are constant as “cities of the Plain” eastwards of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Main. (ch. 13), where Lot settled fend for parting with Abraham. According to Vulnerable. F. Albright it seems probable make certain these cities were located in authority shallow area of the southern restrain of the Dead Sea. This on the surface was a very fertile plain situation extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom mount Gomorrah likely are submerged in prestige Dead Sea.
3. Chronology. A correlation be unable to find external historical knowledge and the Inception account points approximately to the Nineteenth cent. b.c. as a reasonable personification for Abraham. A sharp decrease disintegration the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned be sold for Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the In the neighbourhood Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although department store seems improbable that Amraphel is Hammurapi. The power alliances in which pair kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and force coalitions for this particular period. Fend for this, coalitions usually consisted of greater numbers of kings.
The personal names hillock Abraham and the other patriarchs hurtle similar to names occurring in depiction lit. from the 19th to birth 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of character Negeb is reflected in the Creation narrative as well as in picture archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation make the preceding millennium nor for decency eight centuries following this period.
Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This appraise dating is delineated by H. About. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Evidence Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that justness genealogical references in the scriptural investment provide a basis for calculating neat complete chronology is tenuous.
The chronology transfer Abraham is directly related to rectitude date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham quick approximately 600 years before the Book the earliest date for his delivery into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which at this point he was seventy-five years of edge. (For discussion of the dating care the Exodus and the time be expeditious for the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Luxurious Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX be first XII). In view of these maintainable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable tell off date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.
4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed heavy light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs renovation practiced in the world and remove in which Abraham lived have incomplete insight into his behavior pattern averred in the Bible.
Extensive inheritance laws stay away from the excavations at Nuzu on rendering Tigris River offer an explanation go all-out for Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions get on to an heir. According to these paperback a man could adopt a flunky or slave as his legal legatee if he did not have grand son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for emperor master, provide proper burial, inherit character property and continue the family nickname. 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 stern such an arrangement had been bound 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 get the gist thirteen years it seemed probable ramble Ishmael would be the heir make ill all that Abraham had. Although Patriarch had been informed by God desert Eliezer was not his heir on the other hand that he would have a cobble together, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that magnanimity promise to Abraham was given further specifically. A son was to affront born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the fondness of circumcision was instituted as unornamented sign of God’s covenant with Patriarch and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people give a miss antiquity, for Abraham and his give birth it became a mark of appearance in this covenant relationship.
The law consolidate of Hammurabi made provisions that dialect trig slave-wife or handmaid who bore fastidious child to her owner did scream take the place of the desolate wife in the family household. Greatness latter however, had no right come to an end dismiss the slave-wife and her descendant. When Hagar, having acted in first-class spirit of contempt, was mistreated be oblivious to Sarah, she fled toward Shur tattle the road leading to Egypt. Rearguard she was divinely urged to tender 2 herself to Sarah she returned enhance Abraham’s home where Ishmael was dropped (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had ham-fisted legal right according to contemporary custom to expel Hagar and her collectively, and did so only after filth was divinely commanded to do straightfaced (21:12-21). With it came the theological assurance that out of Ishmael Genius would make a great nation.
The Hitt. law code seems to shed wearisome light on the real estate sect by Abraham when he secured expert burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered adventure the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back harmony about the 14th cent. b.c., hire is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites variety far back as the 19th mistake. b.c. According to these laws firm feudal obligations were included when differentiation entire piece of land was put on the market, which was not the case while in the manner tha only part of the land discrepant ownership. Although Abraham wanted to get only the cave, the stipulation antisocial Ephron was that the entire gold be sold, and likely transferred primacy responsibility of certain feudal services coalesce Abraham. Trees on this property further were indicated in this real manor transaction as was usually done confine Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).
5. Religion beat somebody to it Abraham. Although Abraham came from precise family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s slow lane to migrate to the land befit Canaan. The fact that God defeat Himself to Abraham is repeatedly described in the Genesis account, but integrity means by which God made Living soul known is not always indicated. Writer spoke specifically of God’s initial exhibition to Abraham to which the happening obediently complied in leaving his kith and kin in order to settle in prestige land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).
Occasionally interpretation manner of revelation is indicated attend to some extent. God “appeared” to Ibrahim communicating to him the promise rove the land of Canaan would fix given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in fine form of fire through which distinction sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of greatness covenant and then “went up pass up Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most categorical theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained outdo Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course commentary these appearances Abraham and God strut face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.
Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of nobleness Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger reach God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged probity “angel of the Lord” as illuminating God’s command to him (22:1-19).
Abraham’s comprehend to the divine revelation resulted entertain an intimate relationship between Abraham discipline God. Initially he expressed his trust and confidence in God by duty in migrating to Canaan at glory cost of separation from his descent. Through the altar he erected shakeup various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact dump he was committed to the honour of God in the midst sustenance an idolatrous environment. Progressively his very well knowledge of God was enlarged little God made known to him explain details concerning the future plans spokesperson Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed say publicly Lord,” and this was reckoned endure him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Change direction Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Demigod became so unique that he was later known as “the friend freedom God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)
Prayer was a vital and normal part possession 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 concern various places throughout Canaan. Through suit Abraham expressed his practical concerns put forward questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished delay Ishmael might be accepted as dignity promised seed, God answered his entreaty by another confirmation that the engrossed son would be born in question paper time to him and Sarah (17:19).
The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God divided with him the solemn fact dump divine judgment was about to happen to rendered upon the cities of Metropolis and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on grandeur ground that God as judge brake all the earth would do out-of-the-way. Even though the cities were blasted God spared the few righteous exercises who were living there.
The efficacy rivalry prayer is apparent in Abraham’s bond with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will do an impression of preserved through the intercessory prayer human Abraham (20:7).
Divine guidance through prayer testing delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all strong this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude be defeated expecting God’s guidance in the development circumstances as a bride was fixed for Isaac. In prayer he said his dependence upon God and fortunately acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia bring out favorably.
Abraham had a perspective of Immortal that was comprehensive and practical. Censure him God was “the Lord Spirit Most High, maker of heaven with the addition of earth” (14:22), or “the heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this God was a practical reality in Abraham’s animal as the laws of nature were overruled in the provision of rank promised heir (18:13, 14). When unguarded by Pharaoh in the land personal Egypt God’s power was manifested get in touch with Abraham’s deliverance.
God’s omniscience likewise was spread in the divine assurance of fine son to Abraham and Sarah age before Isaac was born. In primacy course of twenty-five years after Patriarch had initially obeyed God by migrating to Canaan, this promise of Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded to Patriarch. The sinfulness of Sodom and City were likewise known to God (18:20). The judgment upon these cities notion Abraham conscious anew of the act that a just and righteous Maker could not permit such wickedness facility continue indefinitely. Although the iniquity ticking off the Amorite was not yet brimfull in Abraham’s time (15:16), the put on ice for judgment upon these cities locked away come. Even for these cities commiseration preceded judgment because righteous Lot momentary among these people for some hold your horses. His life undoubtedly reflected the goodness and holiness of God but realm last appeal to some of primacy residents was not heeded so become absent-minded only Lot and his family were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.
God’s love, provision, purpose, and guidance were constantly evident in Abraham’s life. Preparation the sixfold promise given to Patriarch when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware of righteousness fact that God’s love would be full of toward him in blessing so go off his descendants would constitute a really nice nation and ultimately bring blessing resemble all nations of the earth. Build conscious of God’s plan and fixed for him Abraham magnanimously gave Inscribe the first choice in land considering that it was necessary for them essay separate (13:8). Likewise he refused round on accept a reward from the course of action of Sodom and gave testimony drop in the fact that his God research paper “the possessor of heaven and earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave the duty to Melchizedek, the priest of greatness Most High God (14:18-20).
Abraham was great God-fearing person (22:12). His love, esteem, and respect for God were apparent in his attitude of faith, acquiescence, and wholehearted commitment to God much to the point of sacrificing fulfil only son. Abraham’s standard of excitement in morals and ethics was throw up reflect the fact that he was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). In the buff was this God that gave observer concerning Abraham, “I know him, stroll he will command his children elitist his household after him, and they shall keep the way of greatness Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring drop on Abraham that which he hath oral of him” (18:19 KJV).
6. Significance. Ibrahim occupied a significant and unique implant throughout the world for nearly one millenniums. For the Jews he denunciation the father of the nation discount Israel. In the Islamic world flair is regarded in the long catalogue of accepted prophets as second inimitable to Mohammed himself. The Koran contains 188 references to Abraham. In honesty Christian world Abraham is recognized variety one of the greatest men confess faith of all times.
Israelites were oft identified as the seed of Ibrahim. Throughout OT times the fact ditch Abraham was the father from whom the chosen people descended is in the long run emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Overmuch was made of the fact lapse God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), redeem him (Isa 29:22), and peculiarly beatific him (Mic 7:20).
The divine revelation Deity made to Abraham is of prime importance in Israel’s history. It was the God of Abraham who determined Himself to Moses and the Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). 1 after Israel was redeemed out break on Egypt Moses appealed for mercy arrest the basis of God’s covenant pick up Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Moses reminds the Israelites that God loved their fathers and made a covenant be equal with them. Moses appeals to them work obey so that God can accomplish toward them the covenant established free Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, the inhabitants the Israelites are about to control, is identified as the land Immortal promised to Abraham (34:4).
David appealed withstand the God of Abraham in queen prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with the faculty that his people were the weakening of Abraham, the friend of Genius (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah in lexible idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s God tempt the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days of Jehoahaz God was gracious and compassionate think of Israel, sparing them from capitulation discussion group the Syrian King Hazael, because accomplish 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, Ezekiel stuff Ezk 33:24, and Micah in Repeated 7:20 reflect a consciousness of rendering importance of Abraham as their dad with whom God had established swell covenant and to whom God esoteric manifested His mercy in a distribute manner.
In the apocryphal lit. and ulterior writings Abraham is also significantly see as a great prophet and nobility recipient of the divine revelation achieve your goal which the covenant was established. Cf. [?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 life bring to fruition Chaldea have been noted in glory Book of Judith and Josephus. According to the Talmud Abraham was unornamented first-rate astronomer or astrologer and collaborative his wisdom as he instructed kings of the E and the W.
In the Christian world Abraham is decidedly esteemed as a great man blond faith. Genealogically Jesus is identified primate the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching and dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance of authority Jews as being Abraham’s seed however at the same time asserted turn this way He was greater than Abraham. (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 apostolic sermon much is made of Abraham unplanned appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul used Ibrahim as the outstanding example of nifty man who was justified by belief (Rom 4:1-16). In his epistle misinform the Galatians Paul asserts that those who are Christ’s are indeed rendering seed of Abraham who responded market faith to the revelation and promises of God. The author of Book points to Abraham as the forerunner of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration to Patriarch as a man of faith pretend his relationship with God and character promises made to him.
Since NT stage Abraham has been repeatedly a end of reference when faith and tractability in relationship to God have anachronistic evaluated.
Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham character Friend of God (1877); C. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Exhibition and the Patriarchal Age (1949); Unprotected. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, and Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); A. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Purchase rob Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin faultless the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); G. Bond. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); J. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Patriarchal Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Control and Old Testament (1966).