Topical Bible: Abraham: A Prophet

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Introduction:
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. He is recognized not only as a patriarch but also as a prophet, a role that underscores his intimate relationship with God and his function as a conduit of divine revelation.

Prophetic Calling:
Abraham's prophetic role is explicitly mentioned in Genesis 20:7, where God refers to him as a prophet: "Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you can be sure that you and all who belong to you will die." This passage occurs in the context of Abraham's interaction with Abimelech, king of Gerar, highlighting Abraham's intercessory role and his ability to communicate God's will.

Revelations and Visions:
Throughout his life, Abraham received several divine revelations and visions. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation: "Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This initial call sets the stage for Abraham's journey of faith and his role as a recipient of God's promises.

In Genesis 15:1, God appears to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." This vision reassures Abram of God's protection and the promise of an heir, despite his and Sarai's advanced age.

Intercession and Advocacy:
Abraham's prophetic role is further demonstrated in his intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if righteous people can be found within them. This dialogue illustrates Abraham's deep concern for justice and his boldness in approaching God on behalf of others.

Covenant and Promises:
The covenant between God and Abraham is a pivotal aspect of his prophetic identity. In Genesis 17:1-8, God establishes a covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham and promising that he will be "the father of many nations." This covenant includes the promise of land, descendants, and a special relationship with God, marking Abraham as a key figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Testing and Obedience:
Abraham's faith and obedience are tested in the binding of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22:1-19. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, and Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrates his profound trust in God's promises. This event is a significant moment in Abraham's prophetic journey, highlighting his role as a model of faith.

Legacy and Influence:
Abraham's prophetic legacy extends beyond his lifetime, influencing subsequent generations and religious traditions. In the New Testament, he is frequently cited as an exemplar of faith. For instance, in Romans 4:3, Paul writes, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This reference underscores Abraham's enduring significance as a prophet and a man of faith.

Conclusion:
Abraham's life as a prophet is characterized by his direct communication with God, his role as an intercessor, and his unwavering faith in God's promises. His account is foundational to the biblical narrative, illustrating the themes of covenant, faith, and divine revelation.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 20:7
Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for you, and you shall live: and if you restore her not, know you that you shall surely die, you, and all that are yours.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham's Faith was Identical with Ours; this Faith was Prefigured ...
... 1. But that our faith was also prefigured in Abraham, and that he was the patriarch
of our faith, and, as it were, the prophet of it, the apostle has very ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxi abrahams faith was identical.htm

The Author Returns to his Former Argument, and Shows that There ...
... 5. Since, therefore, Abraham was a prophet and saw in the Spirit the day of the
Lord's coming, and the dispensation of His suffering, through whom both he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter v the author returns to.htm

John Chapter viii. 48-59
... it as spoken of prophetically. For a prophet also was Abraham. Whose prophet?
Of his own seed, and of his Lord. To his own seed ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xliii john chapter viii.htm

John i. 24, 25. Of the Baptism of John, that of Elijah, and that ...
... stones, and says that by the power of God these stones may be changed into children
of Abraham; for they were present to the eyes of the prophet and did not ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 john i 24 25.htm

The Prophet of Fire
... When it was time to offer the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and
said, "O Jehovah, God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the prophet of fire.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... With him the altar of prayer sanctifies the altar of sacrifice. To Abimelech God
said, "Abraham is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live."
And the conclusion of the incident is thus recorded: "So Abraham prayed unto ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

The Story of Elijah, the Prophet
... Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, was sent to him and proposed a test. ... Then Elijah called
upon the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and fire came down and ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of elijah the.htm

Concerning the Words Ascribed to John by all the Four Evangelists ...
... the clause, "For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah," which ... for
repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our ...
/.../the harmony of the gospels/chapter xii concerning the words ascribed.htm

a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet
... The name of the prophet, by which he is dedicated to the incomparable God, has been
confirmed by ... "Thou wilt give truth to Jacob, and mercy to Abraham, as Thou ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap vi vii.htm