Who Was Abraham?
The patriarch Abraham, who lived around 2000 BC, is one of the most significant figures in biblical history. Portrayed as a man of remarkable faith, Abraham is central to God’s plan of redemption. An integral member of the righteous patrilineage recorded in Genesis, he is the recipient of divine promises that anticipate the blessing of the nations through the establishment of a royal lineage, which will culminate in the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Abraham’s Life Shaped by Divine Promises
Abraham’s story starts in Genesis 11, where he is known as Abram, the son of Terah, living in Ur of the Chaldeans. When God calls him, Abram embarks on a journey that will have profound significance for all humanity. This special call, recounted in Genesis 12:1–3, climaxes in the remarkable assurance that all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abram.
In faithful obedience, Abraham leaves his familiar surroundings to venture into the unknown. This marked the beginning of a profound relationship with God. Through the prophet Isaiah, God affectionately refers to the patriarch as “Abraham, my friend” (Isa. 41:8).
The story of Abraham’s life is filled with challenges, wanderings, and divine encounters. He travels to Canaan, experiences famine, sojourns in Egypt, and navigates complicated relationships with neighboring peoples. He rubs shoulders with kings, yet maintains a semi-nomadic lifestyle, prompting the author of Hebrews to claim that Abraham “was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10).
His wife, Sarai (later called Sarah), confronts infertility, which causes tension and heartache. God reassures Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars and will eventually possess the land of Canaan (Gen. 15). Yet, as the years pass, Sarai remains barren. Impatient, Sarai gives her servant Hagar to Abram, and through her, Ishmael is born (Gen. 16). God, however, confirms that Abraham’s proper heir will come through Sarah.
The birth of Isaac, the son of promise, marks a key moment in Genesis. However, Abraham’s faith is put to the test when God instructs him to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22). Abraham’s willingness to obey, even with such a heartbreaking command, shows his trust in God. At the last second, God intervenes, provides a ram for the sacrifice, and confirms His covenant with Abraham that all nations on earth will be blessed through one of his descendants (Gen. 22:18).
Abraham’s life is not without flaws. Genesis documents instances of doubt, deception, and moral ambiguity. Nevertheless, his persistent faith in God’s promises characterizes his enduring legacy.
Father of Many Nations: The Covenant of Circumcision
One of the most critical divine encounters in Abraham’s life is the establishment of the covenant of circumcision (Gen. 17). Central to this covenant is God’s promise to make Abraham “the father of many nations,” a promise with royal connotations. God has previously guaranteed through another covenant that Abraham will be the father of one nation, with his biological descendants taking possession of the land of Canaan (Gen. 15). Significantly, the covenant of circumcision expands Abraham’s fatherhood metaphorically to include many nations. Abraham will be their spiritual father. Those who have faith like Abraham will be his children (Gal. 3:1–9).
Abraham stands as a model not only of faith-imputed righteousness but also of a life shaped by faith-inspired obedience to God’s commands.
In Genesis 17, God instructs Abraham to circumcise every male in his household, including those bought from foreigners, as a “sign of the covenant” (Gen. 17:10–14). Viewed against the backdrop of the early chapters of Genesis, circumcision serves as a continual reminder of God’s promise that the unique lineage traced through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will culminate in a king who will overcome evil forces and bestow blessings upon the nations by establishing God’s kingdom on earth. With these things in mind, the gospel of Matthew highlights how the promises made to Abraham are fulfilled in Jesus by beginning with a royal genealogy that traces back to Abraham (Matt. 1:1–17).
Righteousness Through Faith: Abraham’s Enduring Legacy
The account of Abraham’s life illustrates the concept of righteousness imputed through faith. Genesis 15:6 declares, “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” This verse becomes a cornerstone for later theological reflection, especially in Paul’s writings, where Abraham is held up as the exemplar of faith (Rom. 4).
It is not Abraham’s achievements or perfection that secure his righteous standing with God, but his trust in God’s word and willingness to act upon it. This radical understanding of righteousness, rooted in faith rather than obedience to the law, remains a guiding principle for followers of Jesus Christ.
Yet Abraham’s faith is not passive; it leads him to act righteously. His willingness to leave his homeland, to trust in promises unseen, and to offer his beloved son at God’s command reveals a faith that is evident by what it achieves (see James 2:20–24). Abraham stands as a model not only of faith-imputed righteousness but also of a life shaped by faith-inspired obedience to God’s commands.
Conclusion
Abraham is a figure whose life holds enduring significance. His story is more than a distant tale; it is a relationship between God and a patriarch who plays a key role in God’s redemptive plan for the world. As the recipient of divine promises that will be fulfilled in Jesus Christ and an exemplar of righteousness derived through faith, Abraham’s legacy continues to inspire, challenge, and unite countless people from every tribe and nation.
