Topical Bible: Abraham: Friend of God

◄ Abraham: Friend of God ►

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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. His life and faith journey are chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis. Abraham is uniquely distinguished by the title "Friend of God," a designation that underscores his intimate relationship with the Divine and his exemplary faith.

Biblical Narrative

Abraham's account begins in Genesis 11:27-32, where he is introduced as the son of Terah, living in Ur of the Chaldeans. God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1). In obedience, Abram departs with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and their possessions, setting out for Canaan.

Covenant with God

The covenant between God and Abraham is a pivotal moment in biblical history. In Genesis 12:2-3, God promises to make Abram into a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. This covenant is further elaborated in Genesis 15, where God assures Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). The covenant is sealed with a ritual involving the sacrifice of animals (Genesis 15:9-18).

In Genesis 17, God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many nations," and Sarai's name to Sarah. The covenant is reaffirmed with the institution of circumcision as a sign of the agreement (Genesis 17:10-14).

Faith and Righteousness

Abraham's faith is highlighted in Genesis 15:6: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse is foundational in understanding the concept of faith in the Bible, emphasizing belief and trust in God's promises.

The ultimate test of Abraham's faith occurs in Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in this extreme test, demonstrates his unwavering faith. God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:13).

Friend of God

The title "Friend of God" is attributed to Abraham in several biblical passages. In 2 Chronicles 20:7, King Jehoshaphat refers to Abraham as God's friend. Isaiah 41:8 reiterates this, stating, "But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend." The New Testament also acknowledges this relationship in James 2:23: "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called a friend of God."

Legacy and Significance

Abraham's legacy is profound, as he is considered the father of faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. His life exemplifies obedience, faith, and the intimate relationship one can have with God. The promises made to Abraham extend beyond his immediate descendants, impacting the entire course of biblical history and theology.

Key Themes

1. Faith and Obedience: Abraham's life is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
2. Covenant: The Abrahamic covenant is foundational, establishing the relationship between God and His chosen people.
3. Divine Friendship: Abraham's designation as "Friend of God" highlights the possibility of a personal and intimate relationship with the Divine.

References in Scripture

· Genesis 11:27-32; 12:1-9; 15:1-21; 17:1-27; 22:1-19
· 2 Chronicles 20:7
· Isaiah 41:8
· James 2:23

Abraham's account continues to inspire and challenge believers to live a life of faith, trust, and obedience to God. His title as "Friend of God" remains a powerful reminder of the closeness and favor that can be found in a life devoted to the Divine.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 41:8
But you, Israel, are my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
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2 Chronicles 20:7
Are not you our God, who did drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and gave it to the seed of Abraham your friend for ever?
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James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which said, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
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Library

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... 1. The friend of God catches a gleam of divine pity and tenderness. Abraham
has no relations with the men of Sodom. Their evil ways ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

October 17. "Abraham Believed God" (Rom. Iv. 3).
... The real secret of Abraham's whole life was that he was the friend of God, and knew
God to be his great, good and faithful Friend, and, taking Him at His word ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 17 abraham believed god.htm

Abraham
... And of Abraham alone it is said that he was the friend of God; that God
spoke with him, and he with God. He first of all men of ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Abraham and Isaac. Genesis xxii.
... The man who is called the friend of God was told to ... The more we enjoy a Gift of God,
the more we shall ... None of Abraham's journeys cost him so many tears as this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxv abraham and isaac genesis.htm

Abraham, the Man of Prayer
... Homer W. Hodge. Abraham, the friend of God, was a striking illustration of one
of the Old Testament saints who believed strongly in prayer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/iii abraham the man of.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... Abraham was an old man when Sarah died. ... came up from the south country to mourn with
Isaac at the burial of their father, the Friend of God, and Father of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

'Because of his Importunity'
... In this incident we have, first, God's communication of His purpose to Abraham.
He was called the friend of God, and friends confide in each other. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... Abraham was God's creature (and God was Abraham's friend) and therefore under the
highest obligation to surrender up his Isaac. But O stupendous love! ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... God will whisper into your soul. THE SECRETS OF HEAVEN. After Abraham did what God
told him, then it was that God told His friend all about His Son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Abraham's Obedience
... continues, "the scripture was fulfilled, which says, Abraham believed God, and it
was imputed to him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God. ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xiii abrahams obedience.htm