This passage introduces us to Abram (later known as Abraham), a key figure in the Bible. It gives us a glimpse into his family history and sets the stage for the incredible journey that God has planned for him.
What Happened?
- We learn about Terah, Abram’s father, and his family.
- Terah takes his son Abram, his grandson Lot, and his daughter-in-law Sarai (Abram’s wife) on a journey from Ur to Canaan.
- However, they stop in Haran and settle there.
- Terah dies in Haran.
Why is this Important?
- This passage marks the beginning of Abram’s story, a man whom God will choose to bless and through whom all nations will be blessed.
- It highlights God’s initiative in calling Abram out of his familiar surroundings and setting him on a path towards a new land and a new destiny.
- It introduces us to key members of Abram’s family who will play important roles in the unfolding story.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this passage reveal about Abram’s family and their background?
- Why do you think Terah decided to leave Ur and journey towards Canaan?
- What might have been some of the challenges and uncertainties faced by Abram and his family on this journey?
- What does this passage teach us about God’s call and how it can disrupt our comfortable lives?
- How can we be open to God’s call in our own lives, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones?
- What do you think Abram might have been feeling as he embarked on this journey with his family?
Challenge
Think about a time in your life when you felt God calling you to do something new or step out of your comfort zone. What were the challenges and uncertainties you faced? How did you respond? How did God guide and support you through that experience?
The Setting: A genealogy amid idolatry (v. 27-28)
These verses introduce us to Abram (later Abraham), the central figure of the following narrative. However, the passage begins with Terah, Abram’s father. Matthew Henry highlights the significance of Abram’s lineage, noting that even within the line of Eber (from whom Abram descends), idolatry had taken root.
Family Ties: Key relationships (v. 29-30)
The text presents three key individuals: Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Importantly, Haran is identified as the father of Lot, a character who will play a significant role in Abram’s journey. Matthew Henry emphasises the familial connections here, pointing out that Nahor’s descendants would later intermarry with Isaac and Jacob, while Lot’s story becomes intertwined with Abram’s.
A Barren Beginning: Sarai’s infertility (v. 30)
The verse concludes with a poignant detail: Sarai, Abram’s wife, was barren. This statement anticipates the miraculous birth of Isaac, which will become a pivotal event in God’s covenant with Abram.
The Contrast: Faith in a faithless world
Spurgeon notes the stark contrast between Abram’s call and the prevailing idolatry of his time. He writes, “The call of Abram stands out in bold relief against the dark background of the world’s apostasy.” This highlights the extraordinary nature of Abram’s faith, which would blossom in the midst of spiritual barrenness.
The Call: A summons to leave and trust
Matthew Henry observes, “Here begins the story of Abram, whose name is famous, henceforward, in both Testaments.” This underscores the momentous nature of Abram’s call. God would summon him to leave his homeland and embark on a journey of faith, trusting in divine promises.
The Promise: A glimpse of God’s grace
Even in this introductory passage, the seeds of God’s covenant with Abram are evident. Though Sarai is barren, the narrative hints at the future fulfilment of God’s promise to make Abram a great nation. Spurgeon beautifully captures this, stating, “Though Sarai was barren, yet the promise was not.”
Lessons for Today: The call to follow
Matthew Henry reminds us, “Those who are through grace, heirs of the land of promise, ought to remember what was the land of their nativity, what was their corrupt and sinful state by nature.” This serves as a call to all believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and to recognise the transformative power of God’s grace.
Spurgeon’s words offer further encouragement: “Let us, like Abram, obey the heavenly call, and go forth, not knowing whither we go, but trusting in the guidance of the unerring hand.”
In conclusion, Genesis 11:27-32 provides a glimpse into the beginning of Abram’s extraordinary story. It sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s covenant and highlights the power of faith in a world shrouded in idolatry. As Matthew Henry and Charles Spurgeon remind us, this passage calls us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and to follow God’s leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
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