Call of Abraham

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Genesis 12:1-3
• Summary: God calls Abraham (then Abram) to leave Ur and go to Canaan, promising to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth.

Details

At age 75, God called Abram with five imperatives: Get out, depart, go, I will shew thee, I will bless. With three promises attached: great nation, personal blessing, and blessing to all families of the earth.

This call required leaving everything familiar — homeland, family, and security. Abraham obeyed without knowing where he was going. This moment marks the beginning of God’s redemptive plan through one family line.

Key People Involved

• Abraham — Called by God
• Sarah — Went with him
• Lot — Went with them

Key Places

• Ur — Departure point
• Haran — Stopped here
• Canaan — Destination

Important Verses

• “And the LORD 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. 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. 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 12:1-3

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:8 — “By faith Abraham obeyed”
• Galatians 3:8 — “Preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham”
• Acts 7:2-3 — Stephen’s sermon