Abraham
- Jeremiah Richardson
- Jan 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 11
Abraham, originally named Abram, is known as the “father of faith.” His story begins when God calls him to leave his homeland in Ur of the Chaldeans and journey to a land God promises to show him. Trusting God’s promise to make him the father of a great nation, Abraham obeys and settles in Canaan.
Despite God’s promise, Abraham and his wife Sarai (later Sarah) face the challenge of being childless. God reiterates His covenant, promising countless descendants and the land of Canaan to Abraham’s offspring. In an act of faith, Abraham builds altars to worship God at various locations.
Struggling with doubt, Sarai offers her servant Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate. Hagar bears a son, Ishmael, but this decision leads to tension in the household. Later, God reaffirms His promise, changes Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning “father of many nations,” and Sarai’s name to Sarah. God establishes circumcision as a sign of the covenant.
When Abraham is 99 years old, God announces that Sarah will bear a son. Though initially incredulous, Abraham believes. True to God’s word, Sarah gives birth to Isaac. This miraculous event cements Abraham’s faith in God. Abraham’s faith is tested further when God commands him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Despite the emotional burden, Abraham obeys, trusting in God’s provision. At the last moment, God intervenes, providing a ram as a substitute, confirming His covenant with Abraham.
Throughout his life, Abraham demonstrates hospitality, intercedes for others (notably for Sodom and Gomorrah), and engages with kings and nations. After Sarah’s death, Abraham secures a burial site, the Cave of Machpelah, marking the first possession of the Promised Land by his family.
Abraham’s story concludes with his death at the age of 175, having seen God’s promises fulfilled. He becomes a foundational figure for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, revered for his unwavering faith and obedience to God.

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