Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, known as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Before his calling by God, Abraham's ancestors were known to be idolatrous, worshiping other gods, which was a common practice in the region of Mesopotamia where they resided.Terah, Abraham's Father Terah, the father of Abraham, is mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis. He lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, a city known for its polytheistic practices. Joshua 24:2 provides insight into the idolatrous background of Abraham's family: "And Joshua said to all the people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates and worshiped other gods.'" This verse indicates that Terah, along with his family, was involved in the worship of multiple deities, a practice that was prevalent in the ancient Near East. The city of Ur was a significant center for the worship of the moon god, Nanna (also known as Sin), which suggests that Terah and his household might have participated in such religious activities. Nahor and Haran, Abraham's Brothers Abraham had two brothers, Nahor and Haran. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about their religious practices, it is reasonable to infer that they were also influenced by the idolatrous culture of their time. Haran, the father of Lot, died in Ur, and Nahor later settled in the region of Aram Naharaim, also known for its idolatrous practices. Cultural and Religious Context The broader cultural and religious context of Abraham's ancestors is essential to understanding the significance of Abraham's call by God. The Mesopotamian region, where Abraham's family originated, was characterized by a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life and nature. Temples and ziggurats were central to religious life, and rituals often involved offerings and sacrifices to these deities. Abraham's Departure from Idolatry Abraham's departure from his ancestral home and his break from idolatry mark a pivotal moment in biblical history. In Genesis 12:1 , God calls Abraham to leave his country and family: "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.'" This call signifies a turning point where Abraham is set apart to follow the one true God, Yahweh, establishing a covenantal relationship that would have lasting implications for his descendants and the unfolding of biblical history. The narrative of Abraham's ancestors highlights the transformative journey from idolatry to monotheism, underscoring the radical nature of Abraham's faith and obedience to God's call. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:2And Joshua said to all the people, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelled on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Flood to Abraham The Preface to the Commandments The Unmistakable Honesty of the Writers of the Bible Attests to ... The Pilgrim's Longings The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... The Historical Books. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Bunsen's Biblical Researches. At Jacob's Well Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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