Topical Encyclopedia Legacy of Abraham:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His legacy is foundational to the Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Abraham's life and covenant with God are chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis. Covenant with God: Abraham's legacy is deeply rooted in the covenant established with God, which promised him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is first introduced in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls Abram to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. The covenant is further elaborated in Genesis 15:5-6 : "And the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.' Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." The Promise of Isaac: A significant aspect of Abraham's legacy is the birth of his son Isaac, through whom the covenant would continue. Despite Sarah's initial barrenness, God promised Abraham a son. Genesis 21:1-3 records the fulfillment of this promise: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him." Father of Many Nations: Abraham is also recognized as the father of many nations. Besides Isaac, he fathered Ishmael with Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, and later had six more sons with Keturah, as noted in Genesis 25:1-2. These descendants formed various tribes and nations, fulfilling God's promise that Abraham would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4). Faith and Obedience: Abraham's faith and obedience to God are central to his legacy. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac, as recounted in Genesis 22, is a profound testament to his faith. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this act: "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, 'Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.' Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death." Death of Abraham: Abraham lived a long and full life, passing away at the age of 175. His death is recorded in Genesis 25:7-8 : "Abraham lived a total of 175 years. And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and was gathered to his people." He was buried by his sons Isaac and Ishmael in the cave of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a burial site for his wife Sarah (Genesis 25:9-10). Burial and Succession: The burial of Abraham in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Sarah, signifies the continuation of his legacy through Isaac, the child of promise. Genesis 25:11 notes, "After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer-lahai-roi." This blessing underscores the perpetuation of the covenant through Isaac and his descendants, ensuring that Abraham's legacy would endure through the generations. Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |