Genesis 12: God’s calling for Abram

1. Gen 12:1-3. God’s commands and promises

1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

(1) Commands: (12:1)

Leave your country, your people, and your father’s household

Go to the land I will show you.

(2) Promises: (12:2,3): Three categories

            1> Personal promises: Great Name:

                        I will bless you; I will make your name great.

            2> National promises: Great Nation.

                        I will make you into a great nation.

            3> Universal promises: Great Blessing

                        All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'

2. Gen 12:7

(1) Seed: Abraham's "seed" refers not only to Isaac but also to Messiah (Gal. 3:16).

            1> Isaac and all physical descendants of Abraham including Isaac.

            2> believing physical descendants of Abraham (Rom 9:6, 8; Gal 6:16)

            3> believing non-physical descendants of Abraham (Gal 3:6-9,29)

            4> Jesus Christ (Gal 3:16)

(2) Land: I will give this land to your offspring (12:7)

The promise about the land becomes clearer later. (Gen 12:1,7, 15:18)

3. Gen 12:6,7,8

Abram built an alter in Shechem, Bethel, Hebron (13:3)

            He called on the name of the LORD. It shows His faith in God.

            Abram’s life is to build an alter to the LORD in the land of idol worship place.

4. Gen 12:10-20

(1) Famine and Egypt

            Famine caused Abram to move to Egypt.

            Abram’s fear of death caused him to lie about his wife.

                        He did not seek God’s will and help.

                        His behavior showed his lack of faith in God.

(2) Abram’s failure.

            But God blessed Abram (Gen 12:16) and protected him (12:20)

                        Because of His promises (12:1-3)

            It is recorded as a warning for the people of Israel.

            It is recorded as a warning for NT believers. (1 Cor 10:11)

Genesis 13: Abram and Lot separate.

1. Gen 13:8-13

Conflict and Separation

Due to conflict between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen.

Abram decided to separate with Lot.

Lot’s choice:  based on material blessing, not on God’s promise.

Abram’s choice and God’s promise:

Abram’s choice: based on God’s promise.  

God encouraged him once again.

I will give this land to you and your offspring. (Gen13:15)

            Abram built an altar to the LORD at Hebron.

Genesis 14: Abram Rescues Lot.

1. Gen 14:1-12: World war in Abram’s time

2. Gen 14:13-16

Abram’s rescue mission.

            Abram had 318 trained men born in Abram’s house.

Possibly, he had around 1000 slaves in his house.

He was extremely wealthy at that time.  

Melchizedek: (King of Righteousness)

He was a king and a priest: a type of Jesus who is our prophet, priest and king

King of Salem (ancient name for Jerusalem: Psa 76:2)

            Priest of God Most High. (El Elyon)

            He blessed Abram for his victory and brought all the glory to God.

            Abram tithed to Melchizedek.

            Jesus Priest followed the line of Melchizedek. (Heb 7:1-3, Psa 110:4)