Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, often regarded as the father of faith and a quintessential example of a pilgrim and stranger on earth. His life, as chronicled in the Book of Genesis, exemplifies the journey of faith and obedience to God's call, living as a sojourner in a land not his own.Call and Journey Abraham's journey begins in Genesis 12 when God calls him to leave his homeland of Ur of the Chaldeans and go to a land that He would show him. This divine call marks the beginning of Abraham's life as a pilgrim. Genesis 12:1-3 records God's promise: "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." In obedience, Abraham departs with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions, journeying to Canaan. His life is characterized by living in tents, moving from place to place, and building altars to worship God, signifying his transient existence and reliance on God's promises. Faith and Covenant Abraham's status as a stranger is further emphasized by the covenant God establishes with him. In Genesis 15, God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars and grants him the land of Canaan. Despite being a foreigner, Abraham's faith in God's promise is unwavering, as noted in Genesis 15:6 : "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." The covenant is sealed with the rite of circumcision in Genesis 17, marking Abraham and his descendants as God's chosen people. This covenant underscores Abraham's role as a pilgrim, living in anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promises. Interactions with Inhabitants Throughout his sojourn, Abraham interacts with the inhabitants of the land, often negotiating for resources and establishing peaceful relations. In Genesis 23, when Sarah dies, Abraham negotiates with the Hittites to purchase a burial site, the cave of Machpelah. This transaction highlights his status as a foreigner, as he insists on paying for the land despite being promised the entire region by God. Legacy of Faith Abraham's life as a pilgrim is a profound testament to his faith and trust in God. Hebrews 11:8-10 reflects on his journey: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Abraham's life as a pilgrim and stranger serves as an enduring model for believers, illustrating the call to live by faith, trusting in God's promises, and looking forward to a heavenly homeland. His journey is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal hope found in God's covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 23:4I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a burial plot with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:4,5 Library The Faith of Abraham. Hebrews xi. 13-16 Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac The Catholic Epistles. Growth by Transplanting The Pilgrim's Longings Sojourners of the Dispersion The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Symbolic Ornaments of the Church Resources How can I stay focused on Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.org Does God oppose religious freedom in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: All Saints Are Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Actuated by Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Exposed to Persecution Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not at Home in This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Strengthened by God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Die in Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Forsake all for Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Hate Worldly Fellowship Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have a Heavenly Conversation Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have the Example of Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have Their Faces Toward Zion Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Invite Others to Go With Them Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Keep the Promised in View Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly City Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly Country Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pass Their Sojourning in Fear Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pray for Direction Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Rejoice in the Statutes of God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Shine As Lights in the World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Abstain from Fleshly Lusts Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Have Their Treasure in Heaven Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should not be Over Anxious About Worldly Things Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: The World is not Worthy of Pilgrims and Strangers: Described Pilgrims and Strangers: God is not Ashamed to be Called Their God Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints are Called to Be Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints Confess Themselves Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints of Old Pilgrims and Strangers: The Apostles Pilgrims and Strangers: Typified: Israel Related Terms |
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