Topical Bible: The Death of Saints: Abraham

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Topical Encyclopedia

Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the biblical narrative and is often referred to as the "father of faith." His life and death are recorded in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a patriarch who entered into a covenant with God, marking the beginning of the Hebrew nation. Abraham's death is a significant event, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuation of His covenant through Abraham's descendants.

Biblical Account of Abraham's Death

The account of Abraham's death is found in Genesis 25:7-10. According to the Berean Standard Bible , "Abraham lived a total of 175 years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, an old man and full of years, and he was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah."

Significance of Abraham's Death

1. Fulfillment of God's Promise: Abraham's long life is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness. God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Abraham's death at a "ripe old age" signifies the fulfillment of God's promise of a long and prosperous life.

2. Gathered to His People: The phrase "gathered to his people" is significant in the biblical context, indicating not only physical death but also a spiritual reunion with his ancestors. This expression suggests a belief in an afterlife where the faithful are united with their forebears.

3. Burial in the Promised Land: Abraham's burial in the cave of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a family burial site, underscores the importance of the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. This act of securing a burial place in Canaan symbolizes Abraham's faith in God's promise that his descendants would inherit the land.

4. Unity of Isaac and Ishmael: The joint burial of Abraham by his sons Isaac and Ishmael is noteworthy. Despite the tensions between their mothers, Sarah and Hagar, the act of coming together to bury their father reflects a moment of reconciliation and unity. This event foreshadows the eventual fulfillment of God's promise to bless both Isaac and Ishmael, making them great nations.

5. Legacy of Faith: Abraham's death marks the end of a life characterized by faith and obedience to God. Hebrews 11:8-12 highlights Abraham's faith as exemplary, noting that he obeyed God's call to leave his homeland and trusted in God's promises despite not seeing their complete fulfillment during his lifetime. Abraham's legacy is one of unwavering faith, serving as a model for believers throughout the ages.

Theological Reflections

Abraham's death is not merely a historical event but carries deep theological implications. It serves as a reminder of God's covenantal faithfulness and the hope of eternal life for those who trust in Him. Abraham's life and death exemplify the journey of faith, marked by trust in God's promises and the assurance of His eternal plan. His account continues to inspire believers to live lives of faith and obedience, confident in the hope of being "gathered to their people" in the presence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 25:8
Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Kings and Times of the Earthly City which were Synchronous ...
... Synchronous with the Times of the Saints, Reckoning from ... the second king of that
kingdom when Abraham was born ... did not reign; but after his death Semiramis his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 2 of the kings and.htm

Whether the Limbo of Hell is the Same as Abraham's Bosom?
... is called Abraham's bosom," as Augustine declares (Gen. ad lit. xii). But the souls
of the saints have not at all times had the same rest after death; because ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the limbo of hell.htm

Whether the Saints have Knowledge of Our Prayers?
... it is clear that when Isaias said this, Abraham had no ... Reply to Objection 2: Although
the saints, after this life ... Wherefore if after death they know the woes of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the saints have knowledge.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... The symbol includes, with the martyred saints, those who ... those who have been subjected
to death, and are ... be fulfilled the promise which God made to Abraham. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
... 2:11, 12;) or like the sores of Lazarus sending them to Abraham's bosom (Luke 16 ...
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." These pains ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/consolations against the fear of.htm

The Death of Abraham
... Now, remember, Abraham's whole life was shaped by that ... our citizenship is in heaven,
then death will not ... congruous with the inheritance of the saints in light. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the death of abraham.htm

In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ...
... V Chapter XXXII."In that flesh in which the saints have suffered ... promise of God,
which He gave to Abraham, remains stedfast ... [4724] And upon the death of Sarah ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii in that flesh in.htm

Concerning the Honour Due to the Saints and their Remains.
... For I am the God of Abraham, He said to Moses, the God of Isaac and ... the end [2476] ,
and Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints [2477 ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xv concerning the honour due.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... Third, the faith of Abraham is compared with the faith of ... moral theory accepted by
the greater saints of the ... assume, in the very article of death, retained its ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE ... mentioned by name),
hath starved to death the enemy ... thou dost rest now in the bosom of Abraham! ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm