Ur

Ur of the Chaldeans

Overview

• Type: City
• Testament: Old
• Modern Location: Tell al-Muqayyar, southern Iraq

Biblical Significance

Ur was a major Sumerian city and the birthplace of Abraham, Sarah, and Lot. From this center of civilization and idolatry, God called Abraham to leave “thy country, and thy kindred, and thy father’s house.”

Key Events

• Call of Abraham — God’s call to leave Ur

Key People Associated

• Abraham — Called from Ur
• Sarah — Born in Ur
• Lot — Born in Ur

Important Verses

• “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 12:1

Cross-References

• Acts 7:2 — Stephen references Abraham in Mesopotamia