Topical Encyclopedia Abraham Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-2). Abraham is noted for his faith and obedience to God, which is exemplified in several key events, including the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17) and the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22). Sarah Sarah, originally named Sarai, is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is intertwined with that of her husband, as she accompanies him on his journeys. Despite her initial barrenness, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established (Genesis 17:19). Sarah's laughter upon hearing the promise of a son in her old age is a notable moment, reflecting both disbelief and joy (Genesis 18:12). Abimelech Abimelech is a king mentioned in the narratives of both Abraham and Isaac. In the context of Abraham, Abimelech is the king of Gerar. The account involving Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech is found in Genesis 20. Abraham, fearing for his life due to Sarah's beauty, tells Abimelech that Sarah is his sister. Consequently, Abimelech takes Sarah into his household. However, God intervenes by appearing to Abimelech in a dream, warning him that Sarah is Abraham's wife (Genesis 20:3). Abimelech confronts Abraham, who explains his fear and the half-truth of Sarah being his half-sister (Genesis 20:11-12). Abimelech returns Sarah to Abraham and compensates him with livestock and servants, and offers him land to dwell in (Genesis 20:14-15). This encounter highlights themes of divine protection and the integrity of Abimelech, who acts righteously upon receiving God's warning. The narrative also underscores the recurring motif of God's faithfulness to His promises, as Sarah remains unharmed and the covenant line through Isaac is preserved. 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 |