Topical Bible: Protection: Abraham

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Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, is marked by numerous instances of divine protection, underscoring God's covenantal faithfulness and providential care.

Divine Call and Promise

The narrative of Abraham begins with God's call to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God promises Abraham, "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 divine protection, as God assures, "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."

Protection in Egypt

One of the earliest demonstrations of God's protective hand over Abraham occurs during his sojourn in Egypt. Famine forces Abraham to seek refuge there, and fearing for his life due to his wife Sarai's beauty, he instructs her to say she is his sister. When Pharaoh takes Sarai into his palace, God intervenes by striking Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues (Genesis 12:17). This divine intervention protects Sarai and ensures Abraham's safe departure from Egypt with his wife and possessions.

Rescue of Lot

Abraham's protection extends to his family, as seen in the rescue of his nephew Lot. When Lot is captured during a regional conflict, Abraham leads a successful night raid to rescue him (Genesis 14:14-16). This victory is attributed to God's favor and protection, as Abraham is able to defeat a coalition of kings with a small force.

Covenant and Assurance

In Genesis 15, God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. In a vision, God assures Abraham, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1). This declaration emphasizes God's role as Abraham's protector and provider.

Protection from Abimelech

Another instance of divine protection occurs when Abraham sojourns in Gerar. Fearing for his life, he again claims Sarah is his sister. King Abimelech takes Sarah, but God intervenes in a dream, warning Abimelech and preserving Sarah's honor (Genesis 20:3-7). Abimelech returns Sarah to Abraham, acknowledging God's protective hand over them.

The Binding of Isaac

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham's faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. As Abraham prepares to obey, God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute offering (Genesis 22:12-13). This event not only demonstrates Abraham's faith but also God's provision and protection over the promised lineage.

Legacy of Protection

Throughout Abraham's life, God's protection is evident, fulfilling His promises and safeguarding the patriarch and his family. Abraham's experiences serve as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ability to protect and provide for those who trust in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Word of the Lord to Abraham, by which it was Promised to ...
... The word of the Lord came to Abraham in a vision also. For when God promised him
protection and exceeding great reward, he, being solicitous about posterity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 23 of the word of.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... His faith in God was rewarded with a renewal of the promises which Abraham had received. ...
and that on leaving home he was also going beyond the protection of God ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Other Passages of Scripture which they Employ to Defend their ...
... women being called by the name of men, when they have them for husbands and live
under their protection (Isa.4:1). The calling of the name of Abraham over the ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 25 the other passages.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... it in time of Elisha, [424]ib.; it and not amulets the true protection of children ...
484]284; worketh in what manner, [485]ib.; dismayed by Abraham's beating, [486 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to ...
... stranger, greatly feared, but only this promise of God made to him by his holy word,
"Fear not, Abraham, I am thy buckler;" that is, thy protection and defence ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /it is i be not.htm

How Human Actions are Without Worth when they are done Without ...
... divines call killed (mortifi??es), because, having been born alive under the protection
of charity, and, like Ismael, in the family of Abraham, they afterwards ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi how human actions.htm

The Encamping Angel
... the 'Angel of the Lord' appears, in order to appreciate more fully the grandeur
of this promised protection. At that supreme moment when Abraham 'took the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

A New Age and New Standards
... men and women for the plea of the Pharisees that they were Abraham's children and ...
Her only protection was that a formal paper had to be given her which enabled ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter vi a new age.htm

The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
... journeying back to Haran, the hole of the pit whence Abraham had been ... then wants,
are given,"God's presence in his wanderings, his protection, Jacob's return ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the heavenly pathway and the.htm

Chapter xxviii
... covenant God, proceeds to confirm to Jacob "the blessing of Abraham," which Isaac ...
Lastly, protection during the time of his absence from home is promised to ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxviii.htm