Abram: Little Nuggets (cont.), 4-8
Nugget #4
Verse 5 of Genesis 12 says Abram had “acquired people.” Jewish translators suggest this refers to proselytizing, that people converted and left with Abram.
Arrives in Shechem
Abram passed through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. (At that time the Canaanites were in the land.) (Genesis 12:6, Christian Standard Bible [CSB])
Nugget #5
In Shechem, Abram goes to a tree called the oak of Moreh. The Hebrew term moreh means "teacher." It is possible this tree was in an oak grove used by the Canaanites in their religious cults. It was a common practice of these cults to use nature, including trees, to seek messages from their gods. Perhaps Abram came to this place hoping to hear from the Lord. (https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/12/Genesis-12-6.html)
When entering Shechem, possibly a cult center, Abram was entering a land with established pagan traditions. It is here that YHWH choses to appear to Abram, possibly to enforce that Yahweh is not like the others.
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. (Genesis 12:7, CSB)
What do you think was Abram’s reaction when he heard God speak at the Oak of Moreh?
He spent his life worshipping a moon good and countless others and all he got was silence. Yet Abram was privileged to experience Yahweh—a God of the living! The loving God!
From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to the Lord there, and he called on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 12:8, CSB)
Calling on the name of the LORD indicates a personal relationship and communication with God. It reflects a deep trust and reliance on God's character and promises..
Abram meets his first challenge. How will he fare?
There is a great famine in Canaan. And he flees to Egypt.
When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live.” (Genesis 10:11-12)
Was Sarai his sister?
Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. (Genesis 20:12, CSB)
Instead of faith in God’s deliverance, what was going on with Abram? He was driven by fear.
Fortunately everything worked out, but what could have gone wrong in this scenario?
Had he lost Sarai, God’s promise could not have been accomplished. It was by means of Sarai from the nations would come.
Nugget #6
Hagar was an Egyptian slave—possibly she was one of the gifts given to Abram from Pharaoh. Jewish traditions even suggest she was Pharaoh’s daughter. So Abram’s momentary lack of faith may have led to his family drama between Hagar and Sarai.
What can we learn from this account?
This story is not merely recorded to encourage us to tell the truth, for these circumstances teach us a vital lesson about God’s faithfulness. The famine in Canaan and Sarai’s inclusion in Pharaoh’s household both threatened the promise of land and progeny. Yet the Lord intervened to save Sarai despite Abram’s attempt to rescue himself by his own cleverness. When God obligates Himself to a covenant promise, even the sins of His people cannot prevent its fulfillment. Our actions may lead us astray, but they cannot negate His bond with us. (https://www.genesisforordinarypeople.com/faq/why-did-terah-leave-the-city-of-ur#:~:text=Terah%2C%20Abraham's%20father%2C%20was%20grieving,was%20the%20family's%20original%20intent)
After leaving Egypt, they enter the Negev.
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. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the site of Shechem, at the oak of Moreh. (At that time the Canaanites were in the land.)
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. He built an altar to the Lord there, and he called on the name of the Lord. Then Abram journeyed by stages to the Negev. (Gen. 12:5-9, CSB)
In light of Lot being a potential rival for land and resources, what is inspiring about Abram’s example?
Abram being older and the uncle, also being the one chosen by God, could have easily chosen first the land he wanted. He showed humility and having a peaceable character. However, Lot allowed his eye to influence his choice. He chose the better land which was well watered and resembled Egypt. Unknowingly, his choice would come with much hardship.
Nugget #7
What do the following versses have in common?
He drove the man out and stationed the cherubim and the flaming, whirling sword east of the garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)
Then Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16)
So Lot chose the entire plain of the Jordan for himself. Then Lot journeyed eastward, and they separated from each other. (Genesis 13:11)
Every movement away from God thus far has been toward the east.
In contrast, moving westward can symbolize moving towards God's presence or blessings:
Last Nugget … #8
The door of the ancient Hebrew Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites, was always situated on the east side. This meant that anyone entering the Tabernacle would be facing west as they approached the interior.
This specific orientation held symbolic significance:
Opposition to sun worship: Many pagan cultures of the time worshipped the sun, which rises in the east. By having the entrance face east, the Tabernacle's design emphasized that the Israelites were to worship God, not the sun, and face away from it when approaching Him.
Journey towards God: Entering from the east and moving westward symbolized a journey towards God, who dwelt in the Holy of Holies at the west end of the Tabernacle.
New beginnings and hope: The east, as the direction of the rising sun, also represented new beginnings and the hope that comes with God's presence and guidance.
As seen in Ezekiel’s vision of the glory of the Lord coming from the East:
He led me to the gate, the one that faces east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of a huge torrent,and the earth shone with his glory. (Ezekiel 43:1-2)
This east-facing orientation ensured that as people approached the Tabernacle to worship, they would have their backs to the rising sun, a deliberate symbolic statement of turning away from pagan practices and towards God.
Amplified Version of John 14:26:
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
Nuggets #1-3 will be found below.
Image: Pixabay.com