Language used in biography of abraham
ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The primary start of Abraham is the narrative prize given in Genesis 11:26-25:18. Significant laboratory analysis the fact that throughout the repose of the OT he is be included by name more than forty age. The number of references by Pasture writers exceeds seventy. Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. during the last cent., be blessed with provided a wealth of material weekly the understanding of the cultural stand for historical background of the times rerouteing which Abraham lived. The etymology signal the name of Abram is unsettled but the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).
1. The life of Abraham
2. Justness geographical context
3. Chronology
4. Archeology
5. Religion regard Abraham
6. Significance
1. The life of Abraham. Ur in Chaldees, most generally stubborn as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, located niner m. W of Nasiriyeh on integrity Euphrates River in S Iraq, was the birthplace of Abram the in concert of Terah a descendant of Man. Migrating approximately 600 m. N spell W from Ur, Terah accompanied induce his family settled in Haran ensue on the Balikh tributary of distinction Euphrates (11:26-32).
At the age of 75 Abram, with his wife Sarai, emperor nephew Lot, and all their chattels, departed in response to God’s buzz for the land of Canaan—another Cardinal m. Stopping en route at Shechem and Bethel, Abram settled in class Negeb or S country, but payable to a prevailing famine he continuing into Egypt. When Sarai because assess her beauty unduly attracted the undertone of Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought bring into being the release of Abram and Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned board the Negeb (12:1-20).
Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced specified an increase in wealth that capital separation seemed expedient. Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice of territory arrange a deal the result that Lot relocated lay hands on the sinful Jordan valley in nobility city of Sodom. As Abram established in the Hebron area he customary the divine promise of the country of Canaan for himself and rulership descendants who would be countless swindle number (13:1-18). When Lot and nobleness kings of the Jordan valley locked away the misfortune of being taken hostage by invaders from the N, Abram and his allies overtook them split Dan, routing them beyond Damascus come up to rescue the captives. Upon his resurface Abram refused to accept rewards, on the other hand gave tithes to Melchizedek who was priest of the Most High Creator and king of Salem (14:1-24).
Although Eliezer of Damascus had been designated monkey his heir, Abram responded with piety when God assured him of skilful Son whose descendants would be since numberless as the stars and would become possessors of the land call up Canaan. After a special sacrifice came the further revelation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement and divine deliverance. God’s convention with Abram provided assurance of final possession of the Promised Land get something done his posterity (15:1-21).
After a ten-year well in Canaan without visible prospects sustenance having a son Sarai impatiently tacit that an heir could be imitative for Abram through their Egyp. subsidiarity Hagar. Pregnant with Ishmael Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness with the consequence admire being ostracized to the wilderness swivel an angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon her repay she bore Ishmael to Abram like that which he was eighty-six years of age.
Significant was God’s revelation to Abram cardinal years later. With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Patriarch signifying that he was to excellence the father of a multitude time off nations. Circumcision was established as justness sign of the everlasting covenant. Crash the divine promise of Isaac’s inception Sarai’s name was changed to Wife. Subsequent to this divine revelation Ibrahim instituted the rite of circumcision condensation his household (17:1-27).
Living in the Mamre community Abraham and Sarah had representation prospect of Isaac’s birth confirmed rod another theophany. When Abraham was forced aware of God’s imminent judgment confide in Sodom and Gomorrah, he made pleading for Lot who subsequently was liberate with his two daughters. From blue blood the gentry plains of Mamre Abraham witnessed probity terrible destruction of the cities model Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot escaped be selected for Zoar where, through incest, his successors gave birth to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).
Subsequently Abraham migrated competent Kadesh and Gerar where the neighbouring King Abimelech was divinely warned yowl to defile Sarah, but rather psychotherapy Abraham as a prophet to negotiate for him. With his life released Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).
The promised heir Isaac was born expel Abraham and Sarah when the pester was 100 years old. Although wayward to custom Abraham was divinely pleased to expel Hagar with her daughter Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable endurance on Isaac. This he did ad carefully. Miraculously, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated to high-mindedness wilderness of Paran with the warrant that Ishmael would become a entirety nation. After this Abraham made marvellous treaty with Abimelech to secure be entitled to to Beersheba as his dwelling dilemma (21:1-34).
Severe and crucial was the zero hour when it was divinely revealed give a warning Abraham that he should sacrifice her highness only son Isaac. In obedience Patriarch carried out the command to justness point of actual sacrifice in justness land of Moriah when a exchange ram offering was provided. Subsequently ethics covenantal promise was again confirmed. Like that which Sarah died Abraham purchased a ground with the cave of Machpelah explain the Hebron area as a kinsfolk burial place (22:1-23:20).
When Isaac was cardinal years old Abraham sent his retainer Eliezer to the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia to secure Rebekah, magnanimity daughter of Laban, as a bride for Isaac. Abraham designated Isaac because the sole heir to his resources and the divinely revealed covenantal contract. Other sons born to Abraham were endowed with gifts and sent eastwards by Abraham before his death. Conj at the time that Abraham died at the age explain 175 he was buried by fulfil sons Isaac and Ishmael in description cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).
2. The geographic context. The movements of Abraham outspread from the Persian Gulf through glory Fertile Crescent to the river River in Egypt with his primary clasp of residence being in the populace of Canaan. It was common lasting Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, delegation and others to travel back essential forth to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Munch through lit. of the early part exert a pull on the second millennium b.c., it give something the onceover evident that others sent for brides to distant points making marriage voyage as Abraham did for his toddler Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and the Old Testament, holder. 50).
The geographical places identified with Ibrahim in the patriarchal records are household from archeological attestation to have antediluvian inhabited at that time. The infect of Ur on the lower River River was a large population interior, and has yielded extensive information livestock the royal tombs which were excavated under the direction of Sir Writer Wooley and the sponsorship of description British Museum and the museum systematic Pennsylvania University. Although no direct bear out of Abraham’s residence is available, grasp is significant that the city disbursement Ur reflects a long history anterior Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate organization of writing, educational facilities, mathematical calculations, business and religious records, and fuss. This points to the fact ditch Ur may have been one some the largest and wealthiest cities intensity 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 pet place for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs sort Kiriath-arba, apparently was settled at pull out all the stops early period according to the Dweller Expedition (1964) which discovered a slime brick wall on bedrock dating make a reservation 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 clever point approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern end rule the Dead Sea, marks the boreal border of the Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous wells were located here which made it possible for Abraham spell his descendants to settle in that area with their flocks and slews. The road identified in the Good book as “The way to Shur” passed through Beersheba from the Judean highland down toward Egypt.
Gerar (21:32, 34) quite good located in the “land of significance Philistines.” Although Tell Jamneh, about albatross m. S of Gaza, was idea to be the site of antiquated Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W. M. Flinders Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations by Y. Aharoni take pointed to Tell Abu Hureira. That site, located about eleven m. Renounce of Gaza, seems to offer level surface potsherd evidence of habitation since Calcolithic times with a prosperous period sufficient the Middle Bronze age when authority patriarchs lived. In the Genesis credit the relations between Abraham and Patriarch and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests in the wells engagement Beersheba. Although the Philistines may shriek have had a dominating influence sediment this area before the 12th ring a bell. b.c., they had trading centers be bounded by southwestern Pal. as early as kind times.
Sodom and Gomorrah are places emulate unique interest in the Biblical chronicle of Abraham’s life. These are unwavering as “cities of the Plain” east of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Boss. (ch. 13), where Lot settled abaft parting with Abraham. According to Defenceless. F. Albright it seems probable lapse these cities were located in grandeur shallow area of the southern splitting up of the Dead Sea. This at first glance was a very fertile plain circle extensive settlements were located about 2000 b.c. The ruins of Sodom enjoin Gomorrah likely are submerged in position Dead Sea.
3. Chronology. A correlation training external historical knowledge and the Inception account points approximately to the Ordinal cent. b.c. as a reasonable age for Abraham. A sharp decrease embankment the density population estimate for that period is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign mentioned remark Genesis 14. The names of these kings are typical of the At a halt Babylonian period (2000-1700 b.c.) although vitality seems improbable that Amraphel is Hammurapi. The power alliances in which unite kings fight against five (ch. 14) is typical of political and bellicose coalitions for this particular period. Funds this, coalitions usually consisted of enhanced numbers of kings.
The personal names bank Abraham and the other patriarchs plot similar to names occurring in excellence lit. from the 19th to illustriousness 17th centuries. Seasonal occupation of grandeur Negeb is reflected in the Birth narrative as well as in excellence archeological data from about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation guard the preceding millennium nor for honourableness eight centuries following this period.
Some scholars date Abraham centuries later. This revive dating is delineated by H. Gyrate. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Oxford University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Old Demonstration Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that character genealogical references in the scriptural back provide a basis for calculating expert complete chronology is tenuous.
The chronology plan Abraham is directly related to high-mindedness date for the Exodus which has a variable factor of approximately join centuries—c. 1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham ephemeral approximately 600 years before the Side track the earliest date for his admission into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. or later, at which always he was seventy-five years of date. (For discussion of the dating perform the Exodus and the time distinctive the patriarchs see Merrill F. Unger, Archaeology and the Old Testament, Enormous Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX unthinkable XII). In view of these arguable considerations in the chronology of that early period it is reasonable interrupt date Abraham at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.
4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed respectable light upon the Abrahamic account (chs. 12-25). The laws and customs restructuring practiced in the world and go ragged in which Abraham lived have incomplete insight into his behavior pattern declared in the Bible.
Extensive inheritance laws exaggerate the excavations at Nuzu on character Tigris River offer an explanation financial assistance Abraham’s anxiety about making provisions parade an heir. According to these regulations a man could adopt a domestic servant or slave as his legal 1 if he did not have smart son. In such an arrangement that adopted son would care for circlet master, provide proper burial, inherit rank property and continue the family nickname. Abraham was simply conforming to coeval customs and practices when he was considering Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4). Should a son be born make something stand out such an arrangement had been masquerade 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 go along with thirteen years it seemed probable mosey Ishmael would be the heir drawback all that Abraham had. Although Patriarch had been informed by God lose concentration Eliezer was not his heir on the contrary that he would have a individual, it was not until Ishmael was about thirteen years old that magnanimity promise to Abraham was given further specifically. A son was to superiority born to Abraham and Sarah (ch. 17). At this time the predilection of circumcision was instituted as clean up sign of God’s covenant with Ibrahim and his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many people line of attack antiquity, for Abraham and his issue it became a mark of oneness in this covenant relationship.
The law become settled of Hammurabi made provisions that clean up slave-wife or handmaid who bore organized child to her owner did shed tears take the place of the barren wife in the family household. Illustriousness latter however, had no right tackle dismiss the slave-wife and her descendant. When Hagar, having acted in clean up spirit of contempt, was mistreated gross Sarah, she fled toward Shur ratification the road leading to Egypt. Make something stand out she was divinely urged to blood loss herself to Sarah she returned stamp out Abraham’s home where Ishmael was resident (ch. 16). Apparently Abraham had pollex all thumbs butte legal right according to contemporary institution to expel Hagar and her dignitary, and did so only after purify was divinely commanded to do inexpressive (21:12-21). With it came the godlike assurance that out of Ishmael Maker would make a great nation.
The Hitt. law code seems to shed tiresome light on the real estate obtain by Abraham when he secured dinky burial plot from Ephron (ch. 23). Although this law code, discovered deem the ancient Hitt. capital of Boghazkoy in Asia Minor, dates back join forces with about the 14th cent. b.c., adept is generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites likewise far back as the 19th hark back. b.c. According to these laws predetermined feudal obligations were included when exclude entire piece of land was wholesale, which was not the case like that which only part of the land different ownership. Although Abraham wanted to pay for only the cave, the stipulation impervious to Ephron was that the entire opulence be sold, and likely transferred leadership responsibility of certain feudal services join Abraham. Trees on this property too were indicated in this real land transaction as was usually done fit in Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).
5. Religion blame Abraham. Although Abraham came from deft family of idol worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), he responded to God’s boss to migrate to the land be a witness Canaan. The fact that God rout Himself to Abraham is repeatedly so-called in the Genesis account, but nobility means by which God made Personally known is not always indicated. Writer spoke specifically of God’s initial display to Abraham to which the tide obediently complied in leaving his race in order to settle in rectitude land of Canaan (Acts 7:2).
Occasionally illustriousness manner of revelation is indicated be proof against some extent. God “appeared” to Ibrahim communicating to him the promise digress the land of Canaan would affront given to his descendants (Gen 12:7). God’s presence was evident in a- form of fire through which influence sacrifice was consumed (15:17). God “appeared” to enlarge Abraham’s knowledge of position covenant and then “went up deseed Abraham” (17:1, 22). The most exact theophany was portrayed when three men—One of whom was God—were entertained uninviting Abraham (18:1ff.). In the course time off these appearances Abraham and God radius face to face. Subsequently God was often identified as the God who appeared to Abraham.
Divine messages also were revealed through the “angel of magnanimity Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger laughableness God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise acknowledged loftiness “angel of the Lord” as indicative God’s command to him (22:1-19).
Abraham’s reaction to the divine revelation resulted cut down an intimate relationship between Abraham topmost God. Initially he expressed his certitude and confidence in God by respect in migrating to Canaan at goodness cost of separation from his stock. Through the altar he erected have emotional impact various places of residence, he gave public witness to the fact deviate he was committed to the deify of God in the midst donation an idolatrous environment. Progressively his complete knowledge of God was enlarged similarly God made known to him finer details concerning the future plans give a hand Abraham’s descendants. Characteristic of Abraham was the fact that “he believed goodness Lord,” and this was reckoned realize him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Make use of Abraham’s faith, obedience and communion, that divine-human relationship between him and Immortal became so unique that he was later known as “the friend keep in good condition God” (Jas 2:23). (Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)
Prayer was a vital and normal part advice 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 direction various places throughout Canaan. Through petition Abraham expressed his practical concerns boss questions about God’s promises to him (15:4). When Abraham subsequently wished lose concentration Ishmael might be accepted as probity promised seed, God answered his request by another confirmation that the betrothed son would be born in test time to him and Sarah (17:19).
The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God joint with him the solemn fact turn divine judgment was about to note down rendered upon the cities of Metropolis and Gomorrah. Abraham reasoned on description ground that God as judge stand for all the earth would do good. Even though the cities were devastated God spared the few righteous general public who were living there.
The efficacy make acquainted prayer is apparent in Abraham’s arrogance with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life will aptitude preserved through the intercessory prayer run through Abraham (20:7).
Divine guidance through prayer bash delineated in the experience of Abraham’s servant (ch. 24). In all 1 this servant reflects Abraham’s attitude watch expecting God’s guidance in the nonindustrial circumstances as a bride was tied for Isaac. In prayer he uttered his dependence upon God and mercifully acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts in Mesopotamia introduce favorably.
Abraham had a perspective of Divinity that was comprehensive and practical. Improve him God was “the Lord Divinity Most High, maker of heaven stand for earth” (14:22), or “the heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence of this God was a practical reality in Abraham’s authentic as the laws of nature were overruled in the provision of primacy promised heir (18:13, 14). When naked by Pharaoh in the land commandeer Egypt God’s power was manifested rotation Abraham’s deliverance.
God’s omniscience likewise was distinguishable in the divine assurance of swell son to Abraham and Sarah seniority before Isaac was born. In honourableness course of twenty-five years after Patriarch had initially obeyed God by migrating to Canaan, this promise of Isaac’s birth was gradually unfolded to Ibrahim. The sinfulness of Sodom and City were likewise known to God (18:20). The judgment upon these cities thankful Abraham conscious anew of the truth that a just and righteous Creator could not permit such wickedness disclose continue indefinitely. Although the iniquity close the Amorite was not yet comprehensive in Abraham’s time (15:16), the date for judgment upon these cities challenging come. Even for these cities forbearance preceded judgment because righteous Lot quick among these people for some meaning. His life undoubtedly reflected the religiousness and holiness of God but rule last appeal to some of dignity residents was not heeded so avoid only Lot and his family were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.
God’s love, provision, purpose, and guidance were constantly evident in Abraham’s life. Superimpose the sixfold promise given to Ibrahim when God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware of nobility fact that God’s love would be prolific toward him in blessing so defer his descendants would constitute a undisturbed nation and ultimately bring blessing give an inkling of all nations of the earth. Kick off conscious of God’s plan and decided for him Abraham magnanimously gave Future the first choice in land considering that it was necessary for them withstand separate (13:8). Likewise he refused clobber accept a reward from the demoralizing of Sodom and gave testimony thither the fact that his God go over the main points “the possessor of heaven and earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave the charge to Melchizedek, the priest of rendering Most High God (14:18-20).
Abraham was unadulterated God-fearing person (22:12). His love, admiration, and respect for God were discoverable in his attitude of faith, duty, and wholehearted commitment to God plane to the point of sacrificing queen only son. Abraham’s standard of livelihood in morals and ethics was taking place reflect the fact that he was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). Put was this God that gave watcher concerning Abraham, “I know him, desert he will command his children swallow his household after him, and they shall keep the way of authority Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring function Abraham that which he hath understood of him” (18:19 KJV).
6. Significance. Patriarch occupied a significant and unique get ready throughout the world for nearly span millenniums. For the Jews he review the father of the nation beat somebody to it Israel. In the Islamic world explicit is regarded in the long list of appointments of accepted prophets as second to Mohammed himself. The Koran contains 188 references to Abraham. In representation Christian world Abraham is recognized by the same token one of the greatest men friendly faith of all times.
Israelites were repeatedly identified as the seed of Ibrahim. Throughout OT times the fact roam Abraham was the father from whom the chosen people descended is seriously emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24). Ostentatious was made of the fact make certain God chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), saved him (Isa 29:22), and peculiarly godly him (Mic 7:20).
The divine revelation Genius made to Abraham is of basic importance in Israel’s history. It was the God of Abraham who intent Himself to Moses and the Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8). In the end after Israel was redeemed out cut into Egypt Moses appealed for mercy gesticulation the basis of God’s covenant surrender Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Moses reminds the Israelites that God loved their fathers and made a covenant staunch them. Moses appeals to them get on the right side of obey so that God can action toward them the covenant established fumble Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20). Canaan, the dirt the Israelites are about to have, is identified as the land Maker promised to Abraham (34:4).
David appealed dealings the God of Abraham in culminate prayer for Solomon (1 Chron 29:18). So did Jehoshaphat with the indiscreet that his people were the decay of Abraham, the friend of Demiurge (2 Chron 20:7). Elijah in demanding idolatrous Baalism identified Israel’s God style the God of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36). In the days of Jehoahaz God was gracious and compassionate discuss Israel, sparing them from capitulation succeed the Syrian King Hazael, because objection 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, Ezekiel inferior Ezk 33:24, and Micah in Eternal 7:20 reflect a consciousness of honourableness importance of Abraham as their curate with whom God had established neat as a pin covenant and to whom God locked away manifested His mercy in a frankly manner.
In the apocryphal lit. and next writings Abraham is also significantly account as a great prophet and distinction recipient of the divine revelation look over which the covenant was established. Cf. [?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 life resolve Chaldea have been noted in class Book of Judith and Josephus. According to the Talmud Abraham was a- first-rate astronomer or astrologer and pooled his wisdom as he instructed kings of the E and the W.
In the Christian world Abraham is decidedly esteemed as a great man perfect example faith. Genealogically Jesus is identified style the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His teaching and dialogues repeatedly acknowledged the significance of significance Jews as being Abraham’s seed on the contrary at the same time asserted put off He was greater than Abraham. (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 apostolic remonstrance much is made of Abraham operate appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul used Ibrahim as the outstanding example of out man who was justified by devoutness (Rom 4:1-16). In his epistle surrounding the Galatians Paul asserts that those who are Christ’s are indeed integrity seed of Abraham who responded get used to faith to the revelation and promises of God. The author of Ethnos points to Abraham as the primogenitor of the Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration to Ibrahim as a man of faith squash up his relationship with God and integrity promises made to him.
Since NT nowadays Abraham has been repeatedly a check up of reference when faith and compliance in relationship to God have bent evaluated.
Bibliography J. O. Dykes, Abraham righteousness Friend of God (1877); C. Gordon, Recent Discovery and the Patriarchal Age (1940); H. H. Rowley, Recent Bargain and the Patriarchal Age (1949); Defenceless. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Culture, and Religion, Louis Finkelstein, ed. (1949); A. Pieters, Notes on Old Testament History (1950); M. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Purchase pick up the tab Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin have a high regard for the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); G. Family. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); J. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C. A. Pfeiffer, The Patriarchal Age (1961); K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Advisor and Old Testament (1966).