Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. His wealth is a significant aspect of his life, reflecting both divine blessing and his status as a patriarch. The Bible provides several accounts of Abraham's wealth, detailing his possessions, livestock, and servants.Divine Blessing and Promise of Wealth Abraham's wealth is often portrayed as a direct result of God's blessing. In Genesis 12:2, God promises Abram, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." This promise includes not only spiritual blessings but also material prosperity. Acquisition of Wealth in Egypt One of the earliest accounts of Abraham's wealth accumulation occurs during his sojourn in Egypt. Due to a famine in Canaan, Abram and his wife Sarai went to Egypt. Fearing for his life because of Sarai's beauty, Abram instructed her to say she was his sister. As a result, Pharaoh treated Abram well for her sake, and he acquired sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels (Genesis 12:16). This incident significantly increased Abram's wealth. Wealth in Livestock and Servants Abraham's wealth is further illustrated by his extensive livestock and numerous servants. Genesis 13:2 states, "And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold." His wealth was so substantial that it led to a conflict between the herdsmen of Abram and those of his nephew Lot, prompting them to separate to avoid strife (Genesis 13:5-9). Military Capability and Resources Abraham's wealth also extended to his military capability. In Genesis 14:14, when Lot was captured, Abram mobilized 318 trained men born in his household to rescue him. This indicates not only the size of his household but also the resources at his disposal to maintain such a force. Land and Property In addition to livestock and servants, Abraham's wealth included land and property. Although he lived as a nomad, he was able to purchase land when necessary. In Genesis 23, Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site for his wife Sarah, paying 400 shekels of silver. This transaction underscores his ability to engage in significant financial dealings. Wealth as a Sign of God's Favor Throughout the narrative, Abraham's wealth is depicted as a sign of God's favor and fulfillment of His promises. In Genesis 24:35, Abraham's servant, when seeking a wife for Isaac, recounts, "The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys." Abraham's wealth, therefore, is not merely a testament to his material success but also a reflection of his covenant relationship with God, who promised to bless him and make him a great nation. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 13:2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 24:35 Isaiah 51:2 Library The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals. Abraham's Four Surrenders Vain Attempts of Marcion and his Followers, who Exclude Abraham ... Abraham Thou who Answerest to the Name of Abraham, in that Thou Art Made ... The Call of Abraham Abraham's Faith Dives and Lazarus Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Resources Who are the seed of Abraham? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? | GotQuestions.org What is the Testament of Abraham? | 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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