Introduction:
Abram, later named Abraham, 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 is also significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where he is considered a model of faith and righteousness.

Name and Meaning:
The name "Abram" means "exalted father," while "Abraham" means "father of many nations." God changed Abram's name to Abraham as a sign of the covenant that He established with him, promising that he would be the father of a multitude of nations (Genesis 17:5).

Family Background:
Abram was the son of Terah and was born in Ur of the Chaldeans. He had two brothers, Nahor and Haran. Haran was the father of Lot, who would later accompany Abram on his journey. Abram married Sarai, who was later named Sarah. Sarai was barren, which was a significant aspect of their account as it related to God's promise of descendants.

Call and Journey:
Abram's journey begins with a divine call from God to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him. This call is recorded in Genesis 12:1-3 : "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 obeyed and traveled to Canaan, where God promised to give the land to his descendants. This act of faith is highlighted in Hebrews 11:8 : "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going."

Covenant with God:
God established a covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant was marked by the rite of circumcision, as described in Genesis 17:10-11 : "This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you."

Promise of a Son:
Despite their old age, God promised Abram and Sarai a son. This promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "he laughs," reflecting both Abraham's initial laughter at the promise and the joy of its fulfillment. Genesis 21:1-3 records this event: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him."

Test of Faith:
One of the most significant events in Abraham's life was the test of his faith when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey demonstrated his profound faith, and God intervened, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This event is recounted in Genesis 22:12-13 : "'Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,' said the angel. 'For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me.' Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son."

Legacy:
Abraham's legacy is vast, as he is considered the father of the Jewish nation through Isaac and the Arab nations through Ishmael, his son with Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. His faith and obedience are celebrated in the New Testament, where he is often cited as an exemplar of faith. Romans 4:3 states, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

Death and Burial:
Abraham lived to the age of 175 and was buried by his sons Isaac and Ishmael in the cave of Machpelah, which he had purchased as a burial site for Sarah. This is recorded in Genesis 25:7-9 : "Abraham lived a total of 175 years. And at a ripe old age he breathed his last and died, old and contented, and 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."