Abram's Call and Migration

God told Abram to leave his land and go to the land that God will show him. He said,

"I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you,; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.

Abram did as the Lord said and took Sarai, Lot, and all his possessions with him. When he got to Canaan, the Lord appeared to Abraham and said, "To your descendants I will give this land." He built and altar at Bethel and invoked the Lord by name.

The Four Kings with Melchizedek

The four kings captured Sodom and Gomorrah taking all of their food supplies, possesions, and Lot, Abram's nephew. A fugitive brought this news to Abram he collected 318 of his men and defeated them recovering all the possesions and people. Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine blessed Abram saying,

Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; And blessed be the God Most High, who delivered your foes into you hand.

Convenant with Abram

Abram asked God what is the good of your gifts if he has no heir. God told Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. He then told him to bring him a three-year old heifer, three-year old goat, a three-year old ram, a turtledove, and a pigeon; split them in two; and place each half opposite of each other. As the sun was about to set a trance fell upon Abram. God told him that his people will be aliens in their own land and that they will be oppressed for four hundred years, but I will make them leave with great wealth. God gave Abraham Canaan.

Birth of Ishmael

Sarai said to Abram that the Lord has kept her from bearing children. Sarai gave him her servant, Hagaar, and after Abram had intercourse with her she became pregnant. Hagaar started looking down on Sarai so Abram told Sarai to do what she wants with her servant. Sarai abused her so much she ran away. The Lord came to her in the wilderness and told her to return to Sarai and that she shall bear a son and name him Ishmael. When she returned she gave birth to Ishmael.

Covenant of Circumcision

God came to Abram and told him that he will multiply him exceedingly. He then began his covenant. He siad you are to become a host of nations. He told him that from now on he will be called Abraham. He also told him again that he will gice him Canaan. Then he said when a male is eight days old he will be circumcised. If a male is uncircumcised he will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant. He also said from now on to call Sarai Sarah and that she will give birth. Abraham doubted this and asked for Ishmael to live on by your favor. God said yes and that he shall name his son Isaac. He said that he will make Ishmael exceedingy fruitful and from him will come twelve chieftains. Then Abraham took all his sons and circumcised them.

Abraham's Visitors

Three men came to Abraham and when Abraham saw him he asked if he may bring them water to wash their feet and that they rest themselves under the tree and finally to bring them food to refresh themselves. They agreed to this. Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah to make three rolls. He then ran to the herd and got a choice steer which a servant quickly prepared. He brought these things to them and they told him that by this time next year Sarah will have a son. Sarah laughed at this and the Lord heard this but she denied it.

Sodom and Gomorrah

God told Abraham that he was going to destroy Sodom. Abraham asked him if he will kill the innocent along with the guilty. He got God to spare the city from fifty innocent to ten innocent. Two angels went to Sodom and Lot invited them into his house. The men of the town demanded him to hand them over. Instead Lot offered his daughters. The angels pulled him back inside and let out a blinding light. They told him to leave the city and don't look back. Lot's wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Birth of Isaac

Sarah became pregnant just liked the Lord promised. She gave birth and Abraham had him circumcised on the eight day of his life. Sarah saw Isaac playing with Ishmael and told Abraham to drive out Hagaar and Ishmael. Abraham sent them away. In the wilderness Hagaar was about to kill Ishmael but God heard the boy and told Hagaar to arise. When she opened her eyes she saw a well of water. Hagaar got Ishmael a wife from Egypt.

Testing of Abraham

God came to Abraham and told him to take Isaac to Moriah and offer him up as a burnt holocaust. They set out with wood cut for the holocaust but no sacrifice. Isaac asked Abraham where his the sacrifice and he replied that the Lord will provide the sacrifice. Abraham built an altar there and tied up his son Isaac. When he reached to get his knife the Lord said to him to dont lay your hand on this boy. He said that now he knew how deep his devotion was. As Abraham looked about he saw a ram. He caught the ram and offered it up to God. Abraham named the place Yahweh-rieh. Then the Lord reaffirmed his promise to Abraham.

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