(Studies In Hebrews 11)

INTRODUCTION:

1.Our study of Abraham will be from three perspectives:

a. The life of Abraham (Gen. 11-25).

b. The promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3,7-8; 13:14-17; 15; 17:1-8,15-22;

18:1-15; 21:8-21; 22:15-18).

c. The faith of Abraham (Rom. 4; Heb. 11:8-16; Jas. 2:21-23).

2. "Abraham occupied a significant and unique place throughout the world for nearly four milleniums . For the Jews he is the father of the nation of Israel. In the Islamic world he is regarded in the long calendar of accepted prophets as second only to Mohammed himself. The Koran contains 188 references to Abraham. In the Christian world Abraham is recognized as one of the greatest men of faith of all times" (Samuel J. Schultz, Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, I:26).

3. The Holy Spirit deems him "the friend of God" (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23) and "the father of all those who believe" (Rom. 4:11).

4. His life and faith are so important; we need to study him carefully.

DISCUSSION:

I. The Approach of This Survey:

A. Several options on a survey of Abraham's life were available to me; the

most rewarding, to me at least, was this chronological approach.

B. Our primary focus here is to chronicle his life as it unfolds in the

biblical record. In the course of the notes, Abraham's age will appear in

bold type, while Sarah's will appear alongside in italics.

C. The promises to Abraham will be noted here, but reserved for discussion in

a subsequent class.

D. Abraham's faith will also be discussed in a subsequent class.

II. The Life of Abraham (Gen. 11:26-25:11):

A. Background:

1. Descendant of Noah through Shem (10:1,21,32; 11:10,26).

2. Terah, his father, served idols (11:26-27; cf. Josh. 24:2,14).

3. Born and raised in Ur of the Chaldeans (11:28,31).

4. Married Sarai (11:29) or Sarah (17:15), his half-sister (20:12); she had no child (11:30).

B. The call from God:

1. Abraham was called out of Ur to a land God would show him (Acts 7:2-4); he,

Sarai, Lot and Terah went to Haran, approx. 600 miles NW of Ur (top of

"Fertile Crescent;" 11:31-12:3).

2. Terah died in Haran (11:32).

3. 75/65 (12:4; 10-year difference between Abraham's and Sarah's ages, 17:17; 21:5):

a. Left Haran with Sarai, Lot, possessions and people acquired in Haran and came to Canaan (12:5).

b. Dwelt at Shechem, between Bethel and Ai, and "toward the South" (12:6-9).

c. Due to famine conditions, he moved to Egypt (12:10-20).

d. Returned from Egypt to between Bethel and Ai (13:1-4).

e. Abram and Lot separate (13:5-13).

f. Moved to Mamre in Hebron (13:18).

g. Rescued Lot from captivity and war (14:1-17).

h. Dealings with Melchizedek (14:18-24).

4. 85/75 (16:3):

a. Sarai gave Hagar to Abram (16:1-4).

b. Hagar fled (16:4-6).

c. Promises to Hagar concerning Ishmael (16:7-15; also 17:20; 21:13,18;

25:12-18).

5. 86/76 (16:16) - Ishmael is born (16:15-16).

6. 99/89 (17:1,24-25):

a. God made a special covenant with Abraham (17:1-8).

b. Circumcision as sign of that covenant (17:9-14,23-27; cf. Rom. 4:9-12).

c. Isaac promised (17:15-22; 18:1-15; cf. 17:19,21; 21:12).

d. Intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah (18:16-33).

e. Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed (19:1-29).

f. Lot and two daughters escaped (19:30-38); wife became a pillar of salt

(19:17,26), and at least two daughters and their husbands were destroyed

(19:14).

g. Conflict between Abraham and Abimelech in "the South" (20).

7. 100/90 (21:5):

a. Isaac is born, circumcised (21:1-7).

b. Hagar and Ishmael depart (21:8-21).

c. Covenant between Abraham and Abimelech (21:22-34).

8. 110-120/100-110 (22:6; ?) - Abraham's toughest test - offer Isaac (22:1-14;

cf. Rom. 4:13-25).

9. 137/127 (23:1) - Sarah's death and burial (23).

10. 140 (21:5; 25:20):

a. Bride for Isaac selected from Ur - Rebekah (24).

b. Abraham marries Keturah and has more children (25:1-6).

c. Gave all he had to Isaac (25:6).

11. 175 (25:7) - died, buried with Sarah in cave of Machpelah (25:7-11).

- - Richard Boone