Day 4 · Part 2: Abraham’s Family

The Call of Abram · Abram and the Kings

Gen 12–15 · 83 verses

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In the Story

In context

God tells Abram to leave his country for a land he will be shown, promising, “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you,” and at 75 Abram sets out from Haran (Genesis 12:1–4). Hebrews says he “went out, not knowing where he went” (Hebrews 11:8).

Abram moves between places that matter later: Shechem, Bethel (“house of God”) and the oaks of Mamre at Hebron (Genesis 12:6–8; 13:18). In Egypt, Abram has Sarai say she is his sister, and Pharaoh takes her until the Lord sends plagues (Genesis 12:11–20). In a war between kings, Lot is carried off; Abram chases the kings to Dan, attacks by night and pursues them to Hobah, north of Damascus (Genesis 14:12–15). Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses him; Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 7:1–3 speak of him again.

God promises Abram offspring as many as the stars, and Abram “believed in Yahweh, who credited it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6), words Paul quotes (Romans 4:3). Cutting animals in two and passing between the pieces was a way of making a covenant (Jeremiah 34:18). God also says Abram’s offspring will be foreigners and servants in another land for 400 years, then come out with great wealth (Genesis 15:13–14): the story Exodus tells (Acts 7:6–7).

A word of hope

Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.

Psalms 28:7 · God tells Abram, “I am your shield”; the psalmist calls the Lord “my strength and my shield” and says, “I am helped.”

For families

When their herdsmen quarreled, Abram said to his nephew Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me … for we are relatives,” and he let Lot choose his land first (Genesis 13:7–9). Later, when Lot was carried off by the four kings, Abram went after him and brought him back (Genesis 14:12–16).

Abram let Lot choose first. When people in your family have to share something, how do you decide who chooses first?

In the Bible

World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).

A hymn for today

Trust and Obey · words by John H. Sammis

Organ and orchestra: an introduction, then each of the 5 verses. Tap a verse’s number to start there.

When we walk with the LordIn the light of His word,What a glory He sheds on our way!While we do His good will,He abides with us still,And with all who will trust and obey.
RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise,Not a cloud in the skies,But His smile quickly drives it away;Not a doubt nor a fear,Not a sigh nor a tear,Can abide while we trust and obey.
RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,Not a sorrow we share,But our toil He doth richly repay;Not a grief nor a loss,Not a frown nor a cross,But is blest if we trust and obey.
RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
But we never can proveThe delights of His loveUntil all on the altar we lay;For the favor He shows,And the joy He bestows,Are for all who will trust and obey.
RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweetWe will sit at His feet,Or we'll walk by His side in the way;What He says we will do,Where He sends we will go;Never fear, only trust and obey.
RefrainTrust and obey,For there's no other wayTo be happy in Jesus,But to trust and obey.