Abram
Abram, called by God, journeyed from Ur to Canaan.
Abram is a central figure in the Genesis narrative, introduced as the son of Terah and brother of Nahor and Haran (Genesis 11:26). He married Sarai (Genesis 11:29) and, after Terah moved the family from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran (Genesis 11:31), Abram received a divine call to leave his country and kindred for a land God would show him (Genesis 12:1). At age seventy-five, Abram departed Haran with Sarai and his nephew Lot, traveling to Canaan (Genesis 12:4-5).
Quick Facts
- Wife
- Sarai (Genesis 11:29)
- Wealth after egypt
- Very rich in cattle
- silver
- and gold (Genesis 13:2)
Lore & Background
Returning to Canaan, Abram and Lot separated due to strife between their herdsmen (Genesis 13:7-8). Lot settled near Sodom (Genesis 13:12), and God promised Abram all the land he could see (Genesis 13:14). Abram moved to Hebron and built another altar (Genesis 13:18). Melchizedek blessed Abram as blessed by the Most High God (Genesis 14:19).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Abram as a man of obedience and initiative. He responds to God’s call without hesitation, leaving his homeland at age seventy-five (Genesis 12:4). He builds altars and calls on God’s name (Genesis 13:4, 13:18), indicating devotion. Yet he also acts pragmatically: during famine, he goes to Egypt (Genesis 12:10) and, fearing for his life, presents Sarai as his sister (implied by Pharaoh’s rebuke in Genesis 12:18). This leads to divine intervention that protects Sarai (Genesis 12:17). Abram is also a peacemaker, offering Lot first choice of land to avoid conflict (Genesis 13:8-9). The narrative shows Abram growing in wealth (Genesis 13:2) and receiving repeated divine promises of land (Genesis 12:7, 13:14). He is consistently called by God and responds with faith and action.
Did You Know?
- Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran for Canaan (Genesis 12:4).
- Abram’s wife Sarai was taken into Pharaoh’s house, prompting plagues from the Lord .
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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