Introduction:
Abram, later known as 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. The term "Hebrew" is first applied to Abram in Genesis 14:13, indicating his ethnic and cultural identity.

Name and Etymology:
The name "Abram" means "exalted father" in Hebrew. God later changes his name to "Abraham," meaning "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5). The designation "Hebrew" is derived from "Eber," an ancestor of Abram, and is used to distinguish Abram and his descendants from other groups.

Biblical Narrative:
Abram's account begins in Genesis 11:27-32, where he is introduced as the son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldeans. God calls Abram to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He will show him, promising to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abram obeys, taking his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and their possessions to Canaan.

Covenant with God:
A significant aspect of Abram's life is the covenant God establishes with him. In Genesis 15, God promises Abram numerous descendants and the land of Canaan. This covenant is further solidified in Genesis 17, where God changes Abram's name to Abraham and institutes circumcision as a sign of the covenant.

Key Events:
· Journey to Egypt: Due to a famine in Canaan, Abram travels to Egypt, where he passes Sarai off as his sister to protect himself (Genesis 12:10-20).
· Separation from Lot: Abram and Lot separate due to their growing herds, with Lot choosing the fertile plains of the Jordan (Genesis 13:5-13).
· Rescue of Lot: Abram rescues Lot from captivity after a coalition of kings captures him (Genesis 14:1-16). It is here that Abram is referred to as "Abram the Hebrew" (Genesis 14:13).
· Melchizedek's Blessing: After rescuing Lot, Abram is blessed by Melchizedek, king of Salem, and gives him a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:18-20).
· Birth of Ishmael: Sarai, barren, gives her maidservant Hagar to Abram, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-16).
· Promise of Isaac: God promises Abram a son through Sarai, and Isaac is born when Abram is 100 years old (Genesis 17:15-19; 21:1-7).

Faith and Righteousness:
Abram's faith is a recurring theme in his narrative. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse is pivotal in understanding the biblical concept of faith and is referenced in the New Testament (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6).

Legacy:
Abram's legacy is profound, as he is considered the father of the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths. His life exemplifies faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The covenantal relationship established with Abram sets the foundation for the narrative of the Israelite people and their relationship with God throughout the Bible.