1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
5 Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.
6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.
7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.
9 And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.
10 Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land.
11 When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “I know that you are a woman beautiful in appearance,
12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me, but they will let you live.
13 Say you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that my life may be spared for your sake.”
14 When Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.
15 And when the princes of Pharaoh saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.
16 And for her sake he dealt well with Abram; and he had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female donkeys, and camels.
17 But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.
18 So Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?
19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her, and go.”
20 And Pharaoh gave men orders concerning him, and they sent him away with his wife and all that he had.
The True Meaning of Genesis 12
The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. We witness the beginning of a pivotal journey in the history of God’s chosen people in this chapter.
The chapter introduces us to Abram, a man whom God has called to leave his homeland and embark on a journey to a land that God will show him. This call marks the beginning of God’s covenant with Abram, a promise that will have far-reaching consequences for the entire world (Genesis 12:2-3). Abram obeys God’s command and sets out, unfolding a story that will ultimately lead to the establishment of the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity.
Throughout this passage, we find echoes of other significant events in the Bible, such as the creation of the world (Genesis 1:1) and the promise of a Savior that will come through Abram’s lineage (Genesis 3:15). As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the faith and obedience of Abram and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Genesis 12:1-3
Abram, go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you, said the Lord in Genesis 12:1-3. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. God commands Abram (who would later be known as Abraham) to leave his country, his family, and his father’s household to go to a land that God would show him in the first section of these verses. This was a test of Abram’s faith and obedience to God. The act of leaving his familiar surroundings required strong faith and trust in God’s guidance. Abram was demonstrating his willingness to follow God’s leading by obeying this command, even when it meant leaving behind everything he knew for an uncertain future.
The second part of these verses contains the promise that God made to Abram. God promised to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great so that he would be a blessing to others. This promise was fulfilled through the birth of Isaac, the son of promise, and the subsequent establishment of the nation of Israel. This promise also points forward to the ultimate blessing that would come through Jesus Christ, who was a descendant of Abraham and through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed.
The third section of these verses contains the assurance of God’s protection and provision for Abram. God promised to bless those who blessed Abram and to curse those who dishonored him. This demonstrates God’s active involvement in the lives of His people and His commitment to protect them from harm. This promise of protection and blessing would be evident throughout the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the nation of Israel as a whole. These verses in Genesis 12:1-3 highlight themes of faith, obedience, blessing, and God’s faithfulness overall. They showcase the importance of trusting God and following His guidance, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. They also emphasize the idea of being a blessing to others and the assurance of God’s protection and provision for His people. These verses set the stage for the story of Abraham and the establishment of the nation of Israel, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God’s promise through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Genesis 12:4-5
Abram, later known as Abraham, experiences a pivotal moment in his life in Genesis 12:4-5. The verse reads, “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.”
Firstly, it is significant that Abram obeys the Lord’s command without hesitation. This obedience demonstrates his faith and trust in God’s guidance. The mention of Abram’s age, seventy-five years old, highlights that age is not a limit when it comes to following God’s plan. It is a reminder that God can call and use individuals at any stage of their lives, regardless of age or circumstances.
The journey to the land of Canaan was not just a physical relocation but a spiritual journey as well. Canaan was the land that God promised to Abram and his descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey. This journey signifies a new beginning for Abram and his lineage. It marks the beginning of the covenant relationship between God and Abram, where God promises to bless him and make him a great nation.
The inclusion of Lot in this journey is also noteworthy. Lot was Abram’s nephew and would play a significant role in the narrative of Abram’s life. Their relationship would face trials and challenges, such as the need to separate due to conflicts between their herdsmen (Genesis 13). Lot’s story eventually leads to his rescue from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). His presence in this journey with Abram foreshadows the complexities and relationships that will unfold in their lives.
Furthermore, the possessions and people Abram accumulated in Haran symbolize his worldly wealth and influence. Abram steps out in faith towards Canaan, leaving behind the security of his possessions and embracing the uncertainty of God’s promise. This act demonstrates the importance of trusting in God’s provision and guidance above material possessions. Genesis 12:4-5 sets the stage for the journey of faith that Abram embarks upon, illustrating the themes of obedience, faith, and trust in God’s promises. It is a reminder that obedience to God’s call may lead us out of our comfort zones and into unknown territories but ultimately results in blessings and fulfillment of God’s purposes in our lives.
Genesis 12:6-9
The verse in Genesis 12:6-9 breaks down into a few key sections that hold significant importance in the Bible.
- “Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Abram (who would later become Abraham) is mentioned for the first time in this part of the verse. He is setting out through the land of Canaan on a journey of faith and obedience to God’s command to leave his country and his people and go to a land that God would show him. The mention of the Canaanites being in the land is crucial, as it sets the stage for the future conflicts and interactions between the descendants of Abraham and the Canaanite peoples.
This section emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s call, even when it requires leaving behind what is familiar and comfortable. It sets the foundation for the theme of faith and obedience that runs throughout the lives of the patriarchs in the Bible.
- “Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.”
Here, we see the significance of the covenant that God makes with Abram. God promises to give the land of Canaan to Abram’s descendants, affirming the future inheritance of the land to the Israelites. This promise is a central theme throughout the Bible, as the land of Canaan becomes the promised land for the people of Israel.
Abram’s response to this promise is to build an altar to the Lord, symbolizing worship, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God’s presence and faithfulness. This act of building an altar becomes a recurring practice throughout the patriarchal narratives in the Bible, signifying the importance of worship and maintaining a relationship with God.
- “From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. Abram continues his journey in this part of the verse and arrives at Bethel, which means “house of God.”” This location becomes significant in biblical history as a place where God is worshipped and where important events take place. The mention of Ai, a nearby city, adds context to the geographical setting of the narrative.
Again, Abram’s response to reaching Bethel is to build an altar and call upon the name of the Lord. The act of calling upon the name of the Lord is a form of prayer and seeking God’s presence and guidance. It demonstrates Abram’s faith and commitment to God as he travels through the land of Canaan. Themes of faith, obedience, covenant, worship, and promise emerge in these sections of the verse, all of which are foundational to the biblical narrative. The journey of Abram marks the beginning of a significant chapter in the history of God’s interaction with humanity, setting the stage for the formation of the nation of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promises through the generations. The faith and actions of Abram serve as an example for believers to trust in God’s promises, obey His commands, and worship Him faithfully, even in the midst of uncertainty and challenges.
Genesis 12:10-13
Abram (later known as Abraham) and Sarai (later known as Sarah) faced a severe famine in the land of Canaan and decided to go down to Egypt to seek food and provisions, as described in Genesis 12:10-13. This event marks a test of faith for Abram and Sarah as they grappled with the challenges of their circumstances.
Abram, who was called by God to go to a land that He would show him, now finds himself in a difficult situation as famine strikes the very land he was led to. The famine not only posed a physical threat to Abram and his household but also tested his obedience and trust in God’s provision. It’s a reminder that trials and tribulations are not exempt from the lives of those who walk by faith, as even the chosen ones of God experience challenges.
The decision to go to Egypt introduces a moral dilemma in the narrative. Abram, in fear of the famine, instructs Sarai to present herself as his sister to the Egyptians, fearing that they might kill him to take her as a wife. This action of deceit raises questions about Abram’s trust in God’s protection and his willingness to compromise the truth to save himself. It serves as a lesson about the consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of relying on God’s promises and protection.
This incident foreshadows future events in the Bible where deception and fear lead to dire consequences. We see echoes of this deception in the story of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob tricks his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for his brother. Furthermore, in the New Testament, we can draw parallels with Peter’s denial of Jesus out of fear for his own safety. These instances highlight the dangers of compromising our faith and integrity in times of distress. Genesis 12:10-13 serves as a reminder of the complexities of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s providence. It showcases the human tendency to waver in our faith when faced with adversity and the importance of relying on God’s promises even in the midst of trials. The story of Abram and Sarai in Egypt teaches us valuable lessons about the consequences of fear-driven decisions and the enduring faithfulness of God even in our moments of weakness.
Genesis 12:14-16
Abram (later renamed Abraham) and his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) find themselves in Egypt due to a famine in the land in Genesis 12:14-16. Abram, concerned about his life because Sarai was a beautiful woman, asks her to pretend to be his sister to avoid harm coming to him. Pharaoh takes Sarai into his house, and gives Abram sheep, cattle, donkeys, servants, and camels in exchange. God, displeased with this deception, afflicts Pharaoh and his household with plagues. Upon discovering the truth about Sarai, Pharaoh confronts Abram and sends them away, along with all the possessions they had acquired during their stay.
This passage highlights an essential aspect of Abram’s character – his struggle with trust and faith in God’s provision. Instead of trusting in God’s protection during the famine, Abram resorts to deception out of fear for his own safety. This lack of trust leads to consequences not only for him but for Pharaoh as well.
The story of Abram and Sarai’s time in Egypt serves as a lesson in the consequences of relying on our own schemes instead of trusting in God alone. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience in God’s plan, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, reminding us of the need to trust in God’s promises and provision rather than our own abilities or cleverness.
Abram’s journey of faith and trust in God continues to unfold throughout the book of Genesis and beyond. Despite his shortcomings and moments of doubt, God remains faithful to His promises and eventually fulfills His covenant with Abram, making him the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-5). This narrative serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of human frailty and faltering faith.
Genesis 12:17-20
The Lord inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram’s wife Sarai in Genesis 12:17-20. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. ‘What have you done to me?’ he said. ‘Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!’ Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.”
This section of the verse highlights a pivotal moment in the life of Abram (later known as Abraham) and his wife Sarai (later known as Sarah). At this point in their journey, due to a famine in the land of Canaan, Abram and Sarai had traveled to Egypt. Abram, afraid that the Egyptians would kill him to take his wife, asked Sarai to say she was his sister. The Egyptians, impressed by Sarai’s beauty, took her to Pharaoh’s palace, not knowing she was actually Abram’s wife.
This deception brings consequences not only to Pharaoh and his household, who were afflicted with severe diseases by the Lord, but also to Abram and Sarai. Despite their lack of faith and fear, God still protected them and intervened to ensure that Sarai remained unharmed and that she was returned to Abram. This event serves as a lesson about trust in God’s provision and faithfulness, even when faced with difficult circumstances. It also underscores the importance of honesty and integrity, as deceit can lead to complications and harm, as seen in this narrative. This event in the broader context of the Bible sets the stage for God’s continuous faithfulness towards Abraham and his descendants. The story of Abraham and Sarah unfolds as they journey through moments of doubt, faith, and testing. It foreshadows the eventual fulfillment of God’s promises to them, including the birth of their son Isaac, who would become the next link in the chain of God’s covenant with His people. This account also demonstrates the sovereignty of God in intervening in the affairs of humanity, even when His chosen ones falter.
Looking ahead in the Bible, the consequences of deception and the importance of honesty are consistent themes. Proverbs 12:22 emphasizes that “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” This aligns with the lesson from Abram and Sarai’s experience in Egypt, where speaking the truth could have prevented a chain of events that led to affliction. God values integrity and faithfulness in His people as the Bible unfolds. The story of Abram and Sarai’s time in Egypt serves as a reminder of the consequences of deceit and the importance of relying on God’s protection and guidance.
After Genesis 12
The Lord had spoken to Abram, commanding him to leave his country and his people and go to the land He would show him. Abram obeyed, taking his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot with him. They traveled to the land of Canaan, where the Lord appeared to Abram and promised to make him into a great nation. Abram built an altar there and worshipped the Lord. Abram and his family faced challenges and hardships as they continued their journey, drawing the chapter to a close. Yet, through it all, the Lord’s presence and guidance remained steadfast. The stage was now set for the unfolding of God’s plan for Abram and his descendants, a plan that would shape the course of history and bring forth the promised Messiah. The next chapter would reveal the next steps in this remarkable journey of faith.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.