Topical Bible: Rising: Abraham

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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 account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of great faith and obedience to God. Abraham's life marks a significant "rising" in the biblical narrative, as he is called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God promises to him and his descendants.

Call and Covenant

The narrative of Abraham begins in Genesis 12, where God calls Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He will show him. This call marks the beginning of Abraham's rise as a key figure in God's redemptive plan. God promises Abram, "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" (Genesis 12:2). This covenant establishes Abraham as the father of many nations and sets the stage for the unfolding of God's promises.

Faith and Obedience

Abraham's life is characterized by his faith and obedience to God. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" . This verse underscores the foundational role of faith in Abraham's relationship with God. His willingness to trust and obey God, even when faced with difficult circumstances, exemplifies the rising of his spiritual stature.

One of the most profound demonstrations of Abraham's faith is found in Genesis 22, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's readiness to obey, even in this heart-wrenching command, highlights his unwavering trust in God's promises. The angel of the Lord intervenes, sparing Isaac and reaffirming God's covenant with Abraham, saying, "Through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice" (Genesis 22:18).

Legacy and Descendants

Abraham's rise is not only personal but also extends to his descendants. God changes Abram's name to Abraham, meaning "father of many," as a testament to the multitude of nations that will come from him (Genesis 17:5). The covenant of circumcision is established as a sign of this everlasting covenant between God and Abraham's descendants.

Abraham's legacy is carried on through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, who is later named Israel. The nation of Israel, as well as other nations descending from Abraham, play pivotal roles in the biblical narrative. The Apostle Paul, in the New Testament, emphasizes Abraham's significance by referring to him as the "father of all who believe" (Romans 4:11), highlighting the spiritual heritage that extends to all believers.

Conclusion

Abraham's life is a testament to the power of faith and obedience in the unfolding of God's divine plan. His account of rising from obscurity to become the patriarch of nations serves as an enduring example of trust in God's promises and the blessings that flow from a life devoted to Him.

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Genesis 19:27
And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:
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Genesis 21:14
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
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Genesis 22:3
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went to the place of which God had told him.
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Library

The Testament of Abraham. Introduction.
... is recalled by Sarah's recognizing Michael as one of the three who came to Abraham
at the oak of Mamre, with the added circumstance of the calf rising up whole ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham introduction.htm

Abraham
... They say how (whether before or after God called him, we cannot tell) Abraham at
night ... like not those who vanish away.' And when he saw the moon rising, he said ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Argument. --Moreover Also, from the Fact that He who was Seen of ...
... eyes, the darkness is broken up and scattered by degrees; and the rising of that ...
To this, moreover, Moses added the instance of God seen of Abraham at the oak ...
/.../chapter xviii argument moreover also from.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... The next morning when Abraham looked from Hebron down toward the cities of the plain,
a great smoke was rising from them like the smoke of a furnace. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... Then the holy and just Abraham rising with many tears fell at the feet of the
Incorporeal, and besought him, saying, I beseech thee, chief-captain of the hosts ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Messiah Rising from the Dead
... Messiah Rising from the Dead ... We might illustrate this point at large from the history
of Abraham, of Israel in Egypt, of David, and of the rebuilding of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxv messiah rising from.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... These faults are not written that we may say, "Abraham did so-and-so, therefore
we may do it." No, brethren, the lives of these good men ... And he my rising sun.". ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

Letter Lxxvi. (AD 402. )
... Abraham, in his day, believed what was not yet seen; but you who see it refuse to ...
God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth, from the rising of the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxvi a d 402.htm

Comparison of the Statements of the Four Evangelists Respecting ...
... But both classes see John point to the stones aforesaid and declare that even from
these children can be raised up to Abraham, rising up out of unconsciousness ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/14 comparison of the statements.htm

Home Dedication.
... of the faithful servant gained a signal triumph over all the protestations of natural
affection, and silenced all its rising murmurs; for "Abraham rose up ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm