Genesis - Chapter 12

Genesis 12.1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: Genesis 12.2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Genesis 12.3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12.4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Genesis 12.5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. Genesis 12.6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. Genesis 12.7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Genesis 12.8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. Genesis 12.9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. Genesis 12.10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. Genesis 12.11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Genesis 12.12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Genesis 12.13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Genesis 12.14 And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. Genesis 12.15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. Genesis 12.16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. Genesis 12.17 And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. Genesis 12.18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Genesis 12.19 Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. Genesis 12.20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.

Genesis : Chapter 12

Genesis Chapter 12: The Call of Abraham

Genesis chapter 12 marks the beginning of Abraham's story, a fundamental turning point in God's plan of redemption. How does God begin his saving purpose through a human being? This foundational text recounts Abraham's call, the divine promises made to him, and his journey to Canaan. It introduces crucial themes such as faith, obedience, and God's covenant with humanity.

Tests of Faith

Chapter 12 also recounts Abraham's first test of faith when he travels to Egypt. Through this test, we discover the depth of his trust in God and his commitment to God's promises. We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that resonate with the transformative themes of this crucial chapter.

Related Bible Passages

Galatians 3:8: "The Scriptures foretold that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and first proclaimed the good news to Abraham: 'Because of you, all nations will be blessed.'" This verse cites the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12, interpreting it as a foreshadowing of the gospel.

Hebrews 11:8: "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed, and went to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, even though he did not know where he was going." This passage highlights Abraham's obedience to God's call in Genesis 12.

Acts 7:3: "And he said to him, 'Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.'" Stephen quotes God's call to Abraham in Genesis 12 during his speech, recalling the importance of this call in salvation history.

Romans 4:13: "The promise to Abraham and his descendants, not through the law, that they should be heirs of the world, was not received by the law, but through the righteousness that comes from faith." This verse refers to the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12, linking it to justification by faith, a central tenet of our Christian faith.

Joshua 24:3: "But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and brought him through Canaan, and I gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac." This passage recounts Abraham's call within the context of Israel's history, highlighting God's plan through the generations.

Conclusion

Through these passages, we understand that Abraham's call is not only a historical event, but also a model of faith and obedience for all believers. As we meditate on Genesis 12 and its implications, we are invited to follow Abraham's example, exercise faith, and embark on our own spiritual journey.