Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as a patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is often depicted as a model of faith and obedience to God, and his life provides numerous examples of good mastership, particularly in his relationships with his household and servants.Background and Calling Abraham's account begins in Genesis 12, where God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. "The LORD said to Abram, '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'" (Genesis 12:1-2). Abraham's immediate obedience to God's call demonstrates his faith and sets the stage for his role as a master who leads by example. Leadership and Stewardship Abraham's leadership is evident in his management of his household and servants. In Genesis 14, when Lot, his nephew, is captured, Abraham mobilizes 318 trained men born in his household to rescue him. This indicates not only the size of his household but also the loyalty and respect he commanded as a master. "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan" (Genesis 14:14). Justice and Fairness Abraham's sense of justice and fairness is highlighted in his interactions with his servants. In Genesis 16, when Hagar, Sarah's maidservant, becomes pregnant with Abraham's child, there is tension between Hagar and Sarah. Although Sarah mistreats Hagar, Abraham allows Hagar the freedom to return to him after she flees, showing a degree of compassion and understanding. Furthermore, in Genesis 21, when Sarah demands that Hagar and her son Ishmael be sent away, God reassures Abraham that He will take care of them, and Abraham complies with God's guidance, demonstrating his trust in God's justice. Covenant and Faithfulness Abraham's role as a master is also intertwined with the covenant God establishes with him. In Genesis 17, God commands Abraham to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of the covenant. Abraham's prompt obedience to this command reflects his commitment to God's will and his responsibility as a master to lead his household in faithfulness. "On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or purchased with his money—every male among the members of Abraham’s household—and he circumcised them, as God had told him" (Genesis 17:23). Hospitality and Generosity Abraham's hospitality is another aspect of his good mastership. In Genesis 18, he welcomes three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers, with great generosity and care. He instructs his household to prepare a lavish meal for them, demonstrating his willingness to serve and his ability to inspire his household to do the same. "So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.' Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it" (Genesis 18:6-7). Legacy Abraham's legacy as a good master is evident in the way he is remembered throughout Scripture. His faith and obedience are frequently cited as exemplary, and his role as a master who led his household in righteousness and justice is a testament to his character. As a patriarch, Abraham's life serves as a model for leadership, stewardship, and faithfulness, qualities that define a good master in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Meditations for Household Piety. Thou who Answerest to the Name of Abraham, in that Thou Art Made ... Petty Dishonesty. Private Property and the Common Good The Knowledge of God The Way to Honor On the World and the Movements of Rational Creatures, Whether Good ... Good Earnests of Great Success The Great Duty of Family Religion Duty and Superstition Resources What is the meaning of living for Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat principles should distinguish a Christian business? | GotQuestions.org What is Spirit Science? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Masters: Authority of, Established Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Defraud Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Keep Back Their Wages Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: Not to Rule Over Them With Rigour Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Act Justly Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Deal With Them in the Fear of God Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Esteem Them Highly, If Saints Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Forbear Threatening Them Masters: Duty of, Toward Servants: To Take Care of Them in Sickness Masters: should Receive Faithful Advice from Servants Masters: should Select Faithful Servants Masters: Should, With Their Households: Fear God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Observe the Sabbath Masters: Should, With Their Households: Put Away Idols Masters: Should, With Their Households: Serve God Masters: Should, With Their Households: Worship God Related Terms Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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