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 life and actions are foundational to the narratives of the Abrahamic faiths. The term "Abraham's Explanation" refers to instances where Abraham provides reasoning or justification for his actions, particularly in situations that involve moral or ethical dilemmas. Key Instances of Abraham's Explanation: 1. Explanation to Pharaoh (Genesis 12:10-20): During a famine, Abram and Sarai (later Abraham and Sarah) went to Egypt. Fearing for his life because of Sarai's beauty, Abram instructed her to say she was his sister. When Pharaoh took Sarai into his palace, God inflicted diseases on Pharaoh's household. Pharaoh confronted Abram, who explained his fear of being killed because of Sarai. Pharaoh then sent Abram away with his wife and possessions. Genesis 12:18-19 : "So Pharaoh summoned Abram and asked, 'What have you done to me? Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!'" 2. Explanation to Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18): Abraham moved to the region of Gerar and again claimed Sarah was his sister. King Abimelech took Sarah, but God warned him in a dream. Abimelech confronted Abraham, who explained that he thought there was no fear of God in the place and feared for his life. He also revealed that Sarah was indeed his half-sister. Genesis 20:11-13 : "Abraham replied, 'I thought, Surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father—though not the daughter of my mother—and she became my wife.'" 3. Explanation to Lot (Genesis 13:5-13): When disputes arose between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, Abram proposed a peaceful solution by suggesting they part ways to avoid conflict. He allowed Lot to choose any part of the land he desired, demonstrating his magnanimity and trust in God's promise. Genesis 13:8-9 : "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.'" 4. Explanation to Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14): When God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham obeyed without initially explaining his actions to Isaac. As they ascended Mount Moriah, Isaac inquired about the lamb for the burnt offering. Abraham's response was an expression of faith in God's provision. Genesis 22:7-8 : "Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, 'My father!' 'Here I am, my son,' he replied. 'The fire and the wood are here,' said Isaac, 'but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?' Abraham answered, 'God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' And the two of them walked on together." Analysis: Abraham's explanations often reveal his human fears and his faith in God's promises. His interactions with Pharaoh and Abimelech show his concern for personal safety, while his dealings with Lot and Isaac highlight his trust in divine provision and his commitment to peace and obedience. These narratives illustrate the complexity of Abraham's character as both a man of faith and a person navigating the challenges of his time. 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 |