Topical Encyclopedia 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 clan and his father's house play a significant role in the narrative of his life and the unfolding of God's covenant with him. Terah, Abraham's Father: Abraham was born to Terah, a descendant of Shem, in the city of Ur of the Chaldeans. Terah had three sons: Abram (later Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. The family was originally from Ur, a significant city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its advanced culture and idolatrous practices. Genesis 11:27-28 states, "This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot. During his father Terah’s lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans." Migration to Haran: Following the death of Haran, Terah took Abram, his grandson Lot (Haran's son), and Sarai (Abram's wife) and set out for the land of Canaan. However, they settled in Haran, a city located in the upper region of the Euphrates River. Genesis 11:31 records, "And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (son of Haran), and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there." God's Call to Abram: While in Haran, God called Abram to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. This divine call marked the beginning of Abram's journey of faith and the establishment of God's covenant with him. Genesis 12:1-3 states, "Then the LORD said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go 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, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.'" Abram's Obedience and Journey to Canaan: In obedience to God's command, Abram departed from Haran at the age of seventy-five, taking with him Sarai, Lot, and all their possessions. This journey marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promises to Abram. Genesis 12:4-5 narrates, "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan." The Broader Clan: Abraham's clan extended beyond his immediate family. His brother Nahor remained in Mesopotamia and became the ancestor of Rebekah, who would later become Isaac's wife, and Laban, the father of Leah and Rachel, who would marry Jacob. This connection highlights the interwoven relationships within Abraham's extended family, which played a crucial role in the unfolding of the biblical narrative. Significance of Abraham's Clan: Abraham's clan and his father's house are significant in understanding the cultural and familial context of his life. The call to leave his father's house signified a break from his past and the idolatrous practices of his ancestors, setting the stage for the establishment of a new covenantal relationship with God. This act of faith and obedience laid the foundation for the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants. Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |