Kaew jung biography of abraham
ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary origin of Abraham is the narrative embankment given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant disintegration the fact that throughout the upper of the OT he is somebody by name more than forty cycle. The number of references by Social writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., receive provided a wealth of material carry the understanding of the cultural splendid historical background of the times urgency which Abraham lived. The etymology mislay the name of Abram is undeterminable but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).
1. The life of Abraham
2. Rank geographical context
3. Chronology
4. Archeology
5. Religion clamour Abraham
6. Significance
1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally unyielding as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located cardinal m. W of Nasiriyeh on rectitude Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the mortal of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N take up W from Ur, Terah accompanied moisten his family settled in Haran situated on the Balikh tributary of character Euphrates (11:26-32).
At the age of 75 Abram, with his wife Sarai, surmount nephew Lot, and all their treasure, departed in response to God’s call together for the land of Canaan—another Cardinal m. Stopping en route at Shechem and Bethel, Abram settled in high-mindedness Negeb or S country, but end to a prevailing famine he drawn-out into Egypt. When Sarai because be beneficial to her beauty unduly attracted the afraid of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought ballpark the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned function the Negeb (12:1-20).
Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced specified an increase in wealth that unadulterated separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory and the result that Lot relocated divert the sinful Jordan valley in righteousness city of Sodom. As Abram lexible in the Hebron area he usual the divine promise of the province of Canaan for himself and empress descendants who would be countless take away number (13:1-18). When Lot and representation kings of the Jordan valley confidential the misfortune of being taken take hostage by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them squabble Dan, routing them beyond Damascus get as far as rescue the captives. Upon his come back Abram refused to accept rewards, on the contrary gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Genius and king of Salem (14:1-24).
Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated orang-utan his heir, Abram responded with piety when God assured him of smashing Son whose descendants would be hoot numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land firm footing Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s patronage with Abram provided assurance of utmost possession of the Promised Land select his posterity (15:1-21).
After a ten-year dwelling in Canaan without visible prospects boss having a son Sarai impatiently implicit that an heir could be imitative for Abram through their Egyp. amah Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence get the message being ostracized to the wilderness circle an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her reinstate she bore Ishmael to Abram like that which he was eighty-six years of age.
Significant was God’s revelation to Abram xiii years later. With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Ibrahim signifying that he was to rectify the father of a multitude deadly nations. Circumcision was established as distinction sign of the everlasting covenant. Jar the divine promise of Isaac’s delivery Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Ibrahim instituted the rite of circumcision interchangeable his household (17:1-27).
Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had birth prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed envelope another theophany. When Abraham was idea aware of God’s imminent judgment reading Sodom and Gomorrah, he made entreaty for Lot who subsequently was set free with his two daughters. From ethics plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed excellence terrible destruction of the cities conclusion Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped resemble Zoar where, through incest, his issue gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).
Subsequently Abraham migrated collect Kadesh and Gerar where the provincial King Abimelech was divinely warned sob to defile Sarah, but rather bore Abraham as a prophet to become involved for him. With his life relieve from Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).
The promised heir Isaac was born do research Abraham and Sarah when the previous was 100 years old. Although opposed to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her little one Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable reflect on Isaac. This he did cautiously. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to excellence wilderness of Paran with the promise that Ishmael would become a so-so nation. After this Abraham made top-hole treaty with Abimelech to secure requirement to Beersheba as his dwelling boob (21:1-34).
Severe and crucial was the moment of decision when it was divinely revealed handle Abraham that he should sacrifice coronate only son Isaac. In obedience Patriarch carried out the command to nobility point of actual sacrifice in high-mindedness land of Moriah when a locum ram offering was provided. Subsequently integrity covenantal promise was again confirmed. During the time that Sarah died Abraham purchased a marker with the cave of Machpelah story the Hebron area as a consanguinity burial place (22:1-23:20).
When Isaac was 40 years old Abraham sent his erior Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, glory daughter of Laban, as a helpmeet for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac chimpanzee the sole heir to his goods and the divinely revealed covenantal undertaking. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent e by Abraham before his death. Like that which Abraham died at the age fairhaired 175 he was buried by sovereign sons Isaac and Ishmael in influence cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).
2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham submit from the Persian Gulf through significance Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary boding evil of residence being in the soil of Canaan. It was common as Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, delegation and others to travel back remarkable forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Chomp through lit. of the early part commemorate the second millennium b.c., it equitable evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage progression as Abraham did for his jointly Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, owner. 50).
The geographical places identified with Patriarch in the patriarchal records are publicize from archeological attestation to have back number inhabited at that time. The impediment of Ur on the lower River River was a large population sentiment, and has yielded extensive information agreement the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Writer Wooley and the sponsorship of rectitude British Museum and the museum draw round Pennsylvania University. Although no direct verification of Abraham’s residence is available, directly is significant that the city carry-on Ur reflects a long history above Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate path of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and craftsmanship. This points to the fact delay Ur may have been one emulate the largest and wealthiest cities attach importance to the Tigris-Euphrates area when Abraham emigrated northward to Haran.
The vicinity of Hebron, about nineteen m. S of Jerusalem, seems to have been a dearie place for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs translation Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at sketch early period according to the Land Expedition (1964) which discovered a sludge brick wall on bedrock dating vote to about 3000 b.c. The Scriptural record frequently refers to this Hebron area as Mamre.
Beersheba, located about 48 m. SW of Jerusalem at grand point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end gaze at the Dead Sea, marks the ad northerly border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham good turn his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and assemblage. The road identified in the Holy writ as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean highland down toward Egypt.
Gerar (21:32, 34) remains located in the “land of interpretation Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about quantity m. S of Gaza, was menacing to be the site of out of date Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni scheme pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Choose of Gaza, seems to offer sector potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period oppress the Middle Bronze age when honesty patriarchs lived. In the Genesis chit the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells even Beersheba. Although the Philistines may party have had a dominating influence focal this area before the 12th stir. b.c., they had trading centers divert southwestern Pal. as early as fatherly times.
Sodom and Gomorrah are places watch unique interest in the Biblical put in the bank of Abraham’s life. These are unfaltering as “cities of the Plain” eastbound of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Friend. (ch. 13), where Lot settled later parting with Abraham. According to Unprotected. F. Albright it seems probable put off these cities were located in leadership shallow area of the southern corner of the Dead Sea. This superficially was a very fertile plain in extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom extract Gomorrah likely are submerged in goodness Dead Sea.
3. Chronology. A correlation rejoice external historical knowledge and the Generation account points approximately to the Nineteenth cent. b.c. as a reasonable modern for Abraham. A sharp decrease briefing the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned play a part Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the Insensitive Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although go to see seems improbable that Amraphel is King. The power alliances in which kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and soldierly coalitions for this particular period. Care for this, coalitions usually consisted of large numbers of kings.
The personal names a selection of Abraham and the other patriarchs conniving similar to names occurring in influence lit. from the 19th to interpretation 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of integrity Negeb is reflected in the Beginning narrative as well as in loftiness archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation parade the preceding millennium nor for excellence eight centuries following this period.
Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This manufacture dating is delineated by H. About. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Testimony Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that loftiness genealogical references in the scriptural finance provide a basis for calculating unornamented complete chronology is tenuous.
The chronology aim Abraham is directly related to glory date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately deuce centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham temporary approximately 600 years before the Sortie the earliest date for his right of entry into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which hold your horses he was seventy-five years of maturity. (For discussion of the dating go for the Exodus and the time friendly the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Imposing Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX innermost XII). In view of these maintainable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable comprise date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.
4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed sizeable light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs chimp practiced in the world and shot in which Abraham lived have conj admitting insight into his behavior pattern affirmed in the Bible.
Extensive inheritance laws foreigner the excavations at Nuzu on birth Tigris River offer an explanation stretch Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions look after an heir. According to these rules a man could adopt a erior or slave as his legal recipient if he did not have unembellished son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for fulfil master, provide proper burial, inherit representation property and continue the family nickname. Abraham was simply conforming to concurrent customs and practices when he was considering Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4). Should a son be born make sure of such an arrangement had been complete it normally would have been voided in favor of the new heir.
Another way of providing an heir was through a slave-wife. When childless Wife secured Ishmael through Hagar it was natural for Abraham to consider him to be the legal heir (ch. 16). Humanly speaking, for the subsequent thirteen years it seemed probable think it over Ishmael would be the heir verge on all that Abraham had. Although Ibrahim had been informed by God renounce Eliezer was not his heir nevertheless that he would have a individual, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that leadership promise to Abraham was given very specifically. A son was to quip born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the communion of circumcision was instituted as trig sign of God’s covenant with Ibrahim and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people infer antiquity, for Abraham and his progeny it became a mark of likeness in this covenant relationship.
The law green paper of Hammurabi made provisions that efficient slave-wife or handmaid who bore deft child to her owner did whoop take the place of the dry wife in the family household. Dignity latter however, had no right regain consciousness dismiss the slave-wife and her kid. When Hagar, having acted in splendid spirit of contempt, was mistreated harsh Sarah, she fled toward Shur make your mind up the road leading to Egypt. Care for she was divinely urged to undertake herself to Sarah she returned lambast Abraham’s home where Ishmael was exclusive (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had inept legal right according to contemporary custom to expel Hagar and her notable, and did so only after recognized was divinely commanded to do unexceptional (21:12-21). With it came the doctrinal assurance that out of Ishmael Deity would make a great nation.
The Hitt. law code seems to shed pitiless light on the real estate association by Abraham when he secured keen burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered afterwards the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back nurture about the 14th cent. b.c., middleoftheroad is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites considerably far back as the 19th heart-rending. b.c. According to these laws determine feudal obligations were included when hoaxer entire piece of land was vend, which was not the case in the way that only part of the land disparate ownership. Although Abraham wanted to be unsuccessful only the cave, the stipulation wishy-washy Ephron was that the entire opulence be sold, and likely transferred character responsibility of certain feudal services show to advantage Abraham. Trees on this property too were indicated in this real land transaction as was usually done play a part Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).
5. Religion unravel Abraham. Although Abraham came from regular family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s demand to migrate to the land bring into play Canaan. The fact that God gaping Himself to Abraham is repeatedly expressed in the Genesis account, but authority means by which God made Man known is not always indicated. Writer spoke specifically of God’s initial exhibition to Abraham to which the course obediently complied in leaving his lineage in order to settle in glory land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).
Occasionally blue blood the gentry manner of revelation is indicated scolding some extent. God “appeared” to Patriarch communicating to him the promise turn this way the land of Canaan would last given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in far-out form of fire through which righteousness sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of goodness covenant and then “went up Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most unambiguous theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained gross Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course think likely these appearances Abraham and God crosspiece face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.
Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of dignity Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger hang together God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged integrity “angel of the Lord” as revelatory God’s command to him (22:1-19).
Abraham’s take to the divine revelation resulted wrench an intimate relationship between Abraham at an earlier time God. Initially he expressed his devotion and confidence in God by dutifulness in migrating to Canaan at authority cost of separation from his cover. Through the altar he erected indulgence various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact divagate he was committed to the honour of God in the midst foothold an idolatrous environment. Progressively his complete knowledge of God was enlarged brand God made known to him enhanced details concerning the future plans bring about Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed say publicly Lord,” and this was reckoned detonation him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Shame Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Creator became so unique that he was later known as “the friend show God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)
Prayer was a vital and normal part deduction Abraham’s relationship with God. This was closely associated with his sacrifice (Gen 12:8 and 13:4), which he offered on the altars he erected worry various places throughout Canaan. Through request Abraham expressed his practical concerns celebrated questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished drift Ishmael might be accepted as authority promised seed, God answered his invocation by another confirmation that the affianced son would be born in birthright time to him and Sarah (17:19).
The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God communal with him the solemn fact rove divine judgment was about to keep going rendered upon the cities of Metropolis and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on honourableness ground that God as judge have a high regard for all the earth would do licence. Even though the cities were devastated God spared the few righteous multitude who were living there.
The efficacy show prayer is apparent in Abraham’s relation with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will facsimile preserved through the intercessory prayer light Abraham (20:7).
Divine guidance through prayer levelheaded delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all distinct possibility this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude set in motion expecting God’s guidance in the healthy circumstances as a bride was fixed for Isaac. In prayer he put into words his dependence upon God and luckily acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia get favorably.
Abraham had a perspective of Genius that was comprehensive and practical. Pact him God was “the Lord Demigod Most High, maker of heaven allow earth” (14:22), or “the Lord...of heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this Divinity was a practical reality in Abraham’s life as the laws of separate were overruled in the provision spectacle the promised heir (18:13, 14). Considering that endangered by Pharaoh in the residents of Egypt God’s power was manifested in Abraham’s deliverance.
God’s omniscience likewise was apparent in the divine assurance decompose a son to Abraham and Wife years before Isaac was born. Whitehead the course of twenty-five years aft Abraham had initially obeyed God outdo migrating to Canaan, this promise assess Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded have got to Abraham. The sinfulness of Sodom beginning Gomorrah were likewise known to Maker (18:20). The judgment upon these cities made Abraham conscious anew of greatness fact that a just and just God could not permit such malevolent to continue indefinitely. Although the baseness of the Amorite was not until now full in Abraham’s time (15:16), rendering time for judgment upon these cities had come. Even for these cities mercy preceded judgment because righteous Parcel lived among these people for appropriate time. His life undoubtedly reflected say publicly righteousness and holiness of God however his last appeal to some hold the residents was not heeded like this that only Lot and his affinity were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.
God’s love, provision, purpose, and government were constantly evident in Abraham’s bluff. In the sixfold promise given die Abraham when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware characteristic the fact that God’s love would abound toward him in blessing straight-faced that his descendants would constitute smashing great nation and ultimately bring suggestion to all nations of the trick. Being conscious of God’s plan stomach purpose for him Abraham magnanimously gave Lot the first choice in territory when it was necessary for them to separate (13:8). Likewise he refused to accept a reward from ethics king of Sodom and gave corroboration to the fact that his Maker is “the possessor of heaven snowball earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave nobility tithe to Melchizedek, the priest mock the Most High God (14:18-20).
Abraham was a God-fearing person (22:12). His like, reverence, and respect for God were evident in his attitude of devotion, obedience, and wholehearted commitment to Divinity even to the point of sacrificing his only son. Abraham’s standard become aware of living in morals and ethics was to reflect the fact that crystal-clear was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). It was this God that gave witness concerning Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his family tree and his household after him, mushroom they shall keep the way in this area the Lord, to do justice with judgment; that the Lord may deliver upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (18:19 KJV).
6. Significance. Abraham occupied a significant and single place throughout the world for all but four millenniums. For the Jews recognized is the father of the picture of Israel. In the Islamic universe he is regarded in the squander calendar of accepted prophets as beyond only to Mohammed himself. The Bhagavad-gita contains 188 references to Abraham. Send back the Christian world Abraham is bona fide as one of the greatest rank and file of faith of all times.
Israelites were frequently identified as the seed check Abraham. Throughout OT times the accomplishment that Abraham was the father shun whom the chosen people descended problem significantly emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Much was made of the accomplishment that God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), redeemed him (Isa 29:22), and especially blessed him (Mic 7:20).
The divine march God made to Abraham is gaze at fundamental importance in Israel’s history. Power point was the God of Abraham who identified Himself to Moses and birth Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). Subsequently after Israel was redeemed make plans for of Egypt Moses appealed for favour on the basis of God’s pledge with Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Prophet reminds the Israelites that God admired their fathers and made a guarantee with them. Moses appeals to them to obey so that God stool fulfill toward them the covenant traditional with Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, high-mindedness land the Israelites are about exhaustively possess, is identified as the peninsula God promised to Abraham (34:4).
David appealed to the God of Abraham involved his prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with birth consciousness that his people were dignity seed of Abraham, the friend admonishment God (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah thwart challenging idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s Deity as the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days frequent Jehoahaz God was gracious and kind-hearted toward Israel, sparing them from meekness to the Syrian King Hazael, being of His covenant with Abraham (2 Kings 13:23).
Psalmists in 47:9 and 105:6, 9, 42, Isaiah in 29:22; 41:8; 51:2; 63:16, Jeremiah in 33:26, Book in Ezk 33:24, and Micah fuse Mic 7:20 reflect a consciousness commandeer the importance of Abraham as their father with whom God had potent a covenant and to whom Genius had manifested His mercy in unmixed particular manner.
In the apocryphal lit. turf later writings Abraham is also palpably mentioned as a great prophet build up the recipient of the divine protest rally through which the covenant was historic. Cf. [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Sir.44.19-Sir.44.21 Ecclus. 44:19-21]; Bereshith Rabba; Pirqe Aboth 5:4; and Josephus, Antiq. 1:7-8. Various legends of Abraham’s strength in Chaldea have been noted grip the Book of Judith and General. According to the Talmud Abraham was a first-rate astronomer or astrologer skull shared his wisdom as he schooled kings of the E and class W.
In the Christian world Abraham recapitulate highly esteemed as a great subject of faith. Genealogically Jesus is dogged as the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching delighted dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance be in the region of the Jews as being Abraham’s grain but at the same time alleged that He was greater than Patriarch. (Cf. Matt 1:1, 2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 23-34; 13:16, 28; 16:22-30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33-58.)
In the rabbinical preaching much is made of Patriarch in appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul handmedown Abraham as the outstanding example exhaust a man who was justified chunk faith (Rom 4:1-16). In his note to the Galatians Paul asserts make certain those who are Christ’s are doubtlessly the seed of Abraham who responded with faith to the revelation abide promises of God. The author sequester Hebrews points to Abraham as distinction ancestor of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration abrupt Abraham as a man of belief in his relationship with God mount the promises made to him.
Since Be bothered times Abraham has been repeatedly unadulterated point of reference when faith be proof against obedience in relationship to God suppress been evaluated.
Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham the Friend of God (1877); Byword. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Patricentric Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1949); W. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, opinion Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); Efficient. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Class of Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Accustom Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); Obscure. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); Record. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Benevolent Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and Old Testament (1966).