Through this series of lessons, we are looking at Genesis from the perspective of its original audience, the nation of Israel in the land of Egypt. In our point of study, we see in chapter 11 that the “whole earth” (vs 1) came together to build a tower so they would not be “scattered” (vs 4). God was not pleased with that decision: vs 6. Consequently, God scattered them over the face of the “whole earth” (vs 8, 9; Gen. 1:28). The intention of the builders “flies directly in the face of the divine commandment to multiply and fill the earth” (Hamilton, 353). Sarna (64) suggests a “general air of satirical hostility to pagan nations pervades the story.” That effort is contrasted with God’s promise in this study to make a “name” for Abram.
An outline of the biblical text:
While Joshua 24:2 is historically after our time frame, perhaps the Israelites would have known that Abram’s family was pagan. Haran and Ur were centers of moon worship, Sarratu being the wife of the moon god (Wenham, 273). That sets this promise in a different context.
12:1-3 – The Fundamental Promise: Abram is to go to a “land” which God will show him. Abram, though childless, will be made a great nation and be blessed by God. Wenham (270) suggests that the five-fold use of the word “bless” here is intended to undo the five-fold use of the word “curse” in the preceding chapters (3:14, 17; 4:11; 5:29; 9:25). Without a prior or written revelation, what could Abram know of God?
12:4 – Abram’s obedience is a significant theme. The land of Canaan in verse 5 introduces the “land” promised to Abram. That land was promised Israel by God (vs 7).
12:10-20 – God protects Abram’s life: Egypt was the typical place for refugees from famine. Interestingly, Abram goes without consulting God. Jehovah struck Pharaoh with “great plagues” (vs 17) on Sarai’s behalf. Pharaoh believed himself to be a god; the Almighty struck him with plagues to prove he was not. Pharaoh then sent Abram out (“escorted”) of Egypt. This verb is regularly used of Israel’s departure from Pharaoh in Exo 3-11. Abraham will engage in the same duplicity in Gerar (cpt 20) and 20:13 suggests this was a habit with Abraham.
Insights from “The Call of Abram” for the nation of Israel:
The building project in the land of Shinar would not be unlike the building projects of Israel in the land of Egypt (Exo 1:11). Yet Israel was to leave Egypt to continue the mandate from Genesis 1:26-27 (cf. 9:7). Which aspects of chapter 12 would be relevant for Israel?
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The most important aspect of this study is the account of Abram’s obedience. “The quick progression from ‘land’ to ‘father’s house’ draws attention to the costliness of obedience,” Wenham, 274. Abram’s is a “silent, unwavering obedience,” Sarna, Genesis JPS, 90. The call for Israel to leave Egypt (Exo 12:40-41), would be very similar (cf. 15:7-16).
In Egypt, God formed them into a large nation, despite persecution: Exo 1:7, 12, 20.
If Israel did not feel blessed by God in Egypt (but cf Exo 1:17, 20), there would be blessings in abundance once they left Egypt: Exo 20:24; 23:25; 32:29. The word “bless” is used 74 times in Exo-Deut.
If Israel would remain faithful to God, He will make the nations respect the name of Israel: Num 10:35; Deut 28:7. The theme of blessing and cursing will be reiterated throughout Genesis. Egypt will eventually be cursed for their slavery of Israel, through the plagues and the Red Sea (Exo 14:26-29). Balaam would be yet another example of someone cursed because he (tried to) curse Israel, in Israel’s history: Num 22-24. A key message of the sojourn in Egypt is how God preserved the “seed.”
Lessons for the present generation:
Abram is the father of the Messiah’s people: Gal 3:29. God requires a higher allegiance than what we give our parents: Luke 14:25-33. The greatest nation is the people who belong to the Messiah: 1 Pet 2:9. We bear the name of our Savior (just as Israel did): church of Christ and Christian. Christians, following the teachings of Christ, will bring blessings to those around them. God will also judge those who do not treat Christians with respect: Col 3:23-25.
Paul Holland
