The Call to Faith: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Genesis 12 – God Calls Abram

Executive Summary ✨

Genesis 12, at its heart, is a testament to God’s sovereign grace and the radical call to faith. It marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, where Abram, a seemingly ordinary man from Ur, is chosen to become the father of a great nation and a blessing to all peoples. This chapter encapsulates themes of divine promise, obedience, land, and legacy. God’s command to leave his homeland and family was a test of Abram’s faith, and his subsequent obedience demonstrated a trust that would shape the destiny of generations. We will examine each verse through the lens of Coptic Orthodox theology, exploring its historical context, prophetic significance, and enduring spiritual applications for modern believers seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.”” This simple command initiated a profound covenant that continues to impact the world today. Let’s delve into the richness of God Calls Abram and unpack the spiritual gems hidden within its verses.

Commentary Sections 📖

Genesis 12:1

Hebrew: וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם לֶךְ־לְךָ מֵאַרְצְךָ וּמִמּוֹלַדְתְּךָ וּמִבֵּית אָבִיךָ אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַרְאֶךָּ

English: Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.”

This verse marks the beginning of God’s explicit covenant with Abram. The command “Get out of your country” (לֶךְ־לְךָ, *lech-l’cha*) is not merely a geographical relocation but a spiritual separation. It requires Abram to detach himself from his familiar surroundings, his cultural influences, and even his familial ties. This is a crucial element in experiencing God’s purpose. The phrase “To a land that I will show you” is particularly striking. Abram is called to trust God without knowing the specific destination. This embodies the essence of faith – a willingness to follow God’s leading, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Saint Athanasius offers insight into the importance of obedience in his *Contra Gentes*: “Τί γὰρ ἄν τις εὕροι λόγον, δι’ οὗ ὁ Θεὸς ἀπεκάλυψε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γνῶσιν, εἰ μὴ διὰ τῆς εἰς αὐτὸν πίστεως καὶ τῆς πρὸς αὐτὸν ἀγάπης;” (For what reason would one find that God has revealed to mankind the knowledge of Himself, if not through faith in Him and love towards Him?) (*Athanasius, Contra Gentes 41*). This verse encapsulates the starting point of Abram’s faith-walk.

Spiritual Application: Are we willing to leave our comfort zones and familiar surroundings to follow God’s calling, even when the path is unclear? Are we prepared to prioritize our relationship with God above all earthly ties?

Genesis 12:2

Hebrew: וְאֶעֶשְׂךָ לְגוֹי גָּדוֹל וַאֲבָרֶכְךָ וַאֲגַדְּלָה שְׁמֶךָ וֶהְיֵה בְּרָכָה

English: I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

Here, God outlines the blessings that will flow from Abram’s obedience. The promise of becoming “a great nation” is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant. It foreshadows the nation of Israel and ultimately points to the spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith in Christ. The phrase “I will bless you” encompasses both material and spiritual prosperity. It signifies God’s favor and provision for Abram. Furthermore, the promise to “make your name great” suggests a lasting legacy and a place of honor in history. However, the most significant aspect is the promise that Abram “shall be a blessing.” This indicates that God’s blessing upon Abram will extend to others, making him a conduit of divine grace.

The concept of blessing connects to the blessing given in Deuteronomy 28, outlining God’s favor for obedience. St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote in his commentary on Genesis, “Ἀλλὰ καὶ ἕτερον πρὸς τούτοις προσθήσω· τὸ γὰρ εἶναι τινὰς ἐκ σπέρματος αὐτοῦ εὐλογίαν ταῖς φυλαῖς τῆς γῆς, τὸν Χριστὸν σημαίνει.” (But also I will add another thing to these; for the fact that some are from his seed a blessing to the tribes of the earth, signifies Christ.) (*Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Genesis*)

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize that God’s blessings are not just for our personal benefit but also for the benefit of others? Are we actively seeking ways to be a blessing to those around us?

Genesis 12:3

Hebrew: וַאֲבָרְכָה מְבָרְכֶיךָ וּמְקַלֶּלְךָ אָאֹר וְנִבְרְכוּ בְךָ כֹּל מִשְׁפְּחֹת הָאֲדָמָה

English: I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

This verse solidifies the profound implications of God’s covenant with Abram. The promise to “bless those who bless you, and curse him who curses you” speaks to the divine protection and favor that will surround Abram and his descendants. This is a clear indication of God’s commitment to uphold His covenant. The ultimate expression of this blessing is realized in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, who descended from Abram. The phrase “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” is a Messianic prophecy, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ. It highlights the universal scope of God’s salvation plan. Christ Jesus is the seed of Abraham through whom blessing extends to all nations.

The connection to Christ is further cemented in Galatians 3:8, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” St. Irenaeus beautifully articulates this truth, saying, “Ἀπὸ τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ γὰρ ἤρξατο ὁ θεὸς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις γνωστὸν ποιῶν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον” (For God began from Abraham to make known to humanity the Gospel). (*Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 4, Chapter 7*)

Spiritual Application: Do we appreciate the immense privilege of being beneficiaries of the Abrahamic covenant through Christ? Do we understand our role in extending God’s blessing to others, especially through sharing the Gospel?

Genesis 12:4-5

Hebrew: וַיֵּלֶךְ אַבְרָם כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר אֵלָיו יְהוָה וַיֵּלֶךְ אִתּוֹ לוֹט וְאַבְרָם בֶּן־חָמֵשׁ שָׁנִים וְשִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה בְּצֵאתוֹ מֵחָרָן׃ וַיִּקַּח אַבְרָם אֶת־שָׂרַי אִשְׁתּוֹ וְאֶת־לוֹט בֶּן־אָחִיו וְאֶת־כָּל־רְכוּשָׁם אֲשֶׁר רָכָשׁוּ וְאֶת־הַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר־עָשׂוּ בְחָרָן וַיֵּצְאוּ לָלֶכֶת אַרְצָה כְּנַעַן וַיָּבֹאוּ אַרְצָה כְּנָעַן

English: So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan.

Verse 4 highlights Abram’s immediate obedience. “So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him.” This simple statement encapsulates the essence of faith in action. Despite being seventy-five years old, Abram did not hesitate. He acted promptly upon God’s command. The inclusion of Lot is noteworthy, as it shows Abram’s familial responsibility. Verse 5 gives us insight into the scale of Abram’s departure. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, their possessions, and the people they had acquired in Haran. This was a significant undertaking, emphasizing the completeness of Abram’s commitment to God. The destination, “the land of Canaan,” marks the beginning of Abram’s inheritance. It also foreshadows the future inheritance of the Israelites.

The quick obedience without questioning is a mark of a saintly life. St. Macarius the Great said, “Ἐὰν οὖν μὴ ἀποτάξωμεν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν πραγμάτων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου, οὐ δυνάμεθα εἶναι μαθηταὶ τοῦ Χριστοῦ.” (If therefore we do not renounce ourselves from the things of this world, we cannot be disciples of Christ.) (*Macarius the Great, Homilies, 10.2*). You can find affordable hosting options that can greatly assist your ministry at dohost.us.

Spiritual Application: Do we respond to God’s promptings with immediate obedience, or do we delay and make excuses? How can we cultivate a heart that is quick to obey God’s will?

Genesis 12:6-9

Hebrew: וַיַּעֲבֹר אַבְרָם בָּאָרֶץ עַד מְקוֹם שְׁכֶם עַד אֵלוֹן מוֹרֶה וְהַכְּנַעֲנִי אָז בָּאָרֶץ׃ וַיֵּרָא יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם וַיֹּאמֶר לְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתֵּן אֶת־הָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת וַיִּבֶן שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהוָה הַנִּרְאֶה אֵלָיו׃ וַיַּעְתֵּק מִשָּׁם הָהָרָה מִקֶּדֶם לְבֵית־אֵל וַיֵּט אָהֳלֹה בֵּית־אֵל מִיָּם וְהָעַי מִקֶּדֶם וַיִּבֶן־שָׁם מִזְבֵּחַ לַיהוָה וַיִּקְרָא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה׃ וַיִּסַּע אַבְרָם הָלוֹךְ וְנָסוֹעַ הַנֶּגְבָּה

English: Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

These verses depict Abram’s initial movements within Canaan and God’s renewed promise. Abram’s journey through the land to Shechem is significant, as it marks his entry into the promised territory. The phrase “the Canaanites were then in the land” serves as a reminder that Abram was a sojourner, living among a different people. God’s appearance to Abram and the promise, “To your descendants I will give this land,” reaffirms the covenant. Abram’s response is to build an altar to the Lord. This act of worship signifies his gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. His move to Bethel and the construction of another altar further emphasize his devotion and dependence on God. Calling on the name of the Lord signifies prayer and invocation of God’s presence. Finally, Abram’s continued journey “toward the South” indicates his unwavering faith and pursuit of God’s ultimate purpose.

These travels demonstrate the importance of prayer and acknowledging God in all things. St. Gregory of Nyssa reminds us that true worship is continuous, writing: “Διὰ τοῦτο οὐ παυόμεθα προσευχόμενοι, ἀλλὰ διὰ παντὸς χρόνου τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλούμεθα” (Therefore, we do not cease praying, but at all times we call upon God). (*Gregory of Nyssa, On Prayer, 1*).

Spiritual Application: Do we regularly build altars of worship and prayer in our lives, acknowledging God’s presence and seeking His guidance? How can we maintain a spirit of continuous prayer and dependence on God as we journey through life?

Genesis 12:10-20 – Abram in Egypt

These verses detail Abram’s sojourn in Egypt due to a famine. This episode highlights Abram’s human fallibility. Abram feared for his life due to Sarai’s beauty, leading him to ask her to lie about their relationship. This act of deception demonstrated a lack of trust in God’s protection. Despite Abram’s weakness, God intervened to protect Sarai and prevent Pharaoh from taking her as his wife. God inflicted plagues on Pharaoh’s house as a result of his actions. Pharaoh, upon discovering the truth, rebuked Abram and sent him away with his wife and all his possessions. This episode serves as a reminder that God’s grace is often manifested despite human failings. It also demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when those promises are threatened by human weakness.

This incident highlights the contrast between human fear and divine protection. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s providence, stating, “Μὴ φοβοῦ, ἀλλὰ πίστευε μόνον” (Do not be afraid, only believe). (*John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of John, 45.1*).

Spiritual Application: When faced with difficult circumstances, do we succumb to fear and resort to deception, or do we trust in God’s protection and faithfulness? How can we learn from Abram’s example and cultivate a greater reliance on God’s providence?

Subtopic Sections: The Significance of Land in Genesis 12 🌍

The concept of “land” is central to Genesis 12 and the entire Abrahamic covenant. It’s not just physical territory but a symbol of God’s provision, blessing, and promise. Consider these reflections:

The Promised Land as Inheritance: The land promised to Abram and his descendants is not simply a geographical location but an inheritance from God. It represents God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His desire to bless His people.
The Land as a Place of Rest: For the Israelites, the land of Canaan represented a place of rest and security after years of wandering in the wilderness. It was a place where they could dwell in peace and enjoy the blessings of God’s presence.
The Land as a Symbol of Heaven: In a spiritual sense, the promised land can be seen as a symbol of heaven, the ultimate destination for believers in Christ. Just as the Israelites longed for the promised land, we should long for our heavenly home.
The Land and Responsibility: The gift of land also carries a responsibility to steward it well, reflecting God’s character and justice. We are called to care for the earth and use its resources wisely, as stewards of God’s creation.
The Land and Spiritual Warfare: Possessing the land involves spiritual warfare. The Canaanites represent forces opposing God’s will. Victory requires dependence on God’s power.

FAQ ❓

Why did God choose Abram specifically?
God’s choice of Abram was an act of divine grace. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state *why* Abram was chosen, it emphasizes God’s sovereign right to choose whom He will. God looked upon his heart.
What is the significance of Abram being 75 years old?
Abram’s age highlights the magnitude of the calling. At 75, most would be settling down. Abram was called to embark on a new journey. It underscores that God’s timing is not limited by age or circumstance.
How does Genesis 12 relate to the New Testament?
Genesis 12 is foundational to the New Testament. The promises made to Abram are fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who is the seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16).
What can we learn from Abram’s mistake in Egypt?
Abram’s deception in Egypt teaches us that even great figures of faith are not immune to fear and weakness. It reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s protection.

Conclusion ✨

Genesis 12 provides a window into God’s overarching plan of salvation through Abram. It speaks of the divine call to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown, trusting in God’s provision and guidance. God Calls Abram to a land He will show him, promising to make him a great nation and a blessing to all the earth. The chapter highlights the necessity of obedience, the power of faith, and the promise of divine protection. The importance of leaving our comfort zones to follow Christ cannot be overstated, and the promises that God has for us, if we trust and obey, are too great to ignore. As we seek to follow in Abram’s footsteps, may we be ever mindful of the covenant we have through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Explore Genesis 12 – God Calls Abram through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the spiritual significance of faith, obedience, and God’s covenant with Abram.

Tag: Divine Call

Genesis 12 – God Calls Abram