Old Testament · Patriarchs · c. 2000 BC

Abraham

Q: What is Abraham known for?

Father of the nation of Israel.

Who was Abraham?

Abraham was the patriarch God called to leave his homeland and become the father of many nations, remembered above all for his faith.

RoleFather of the nation of Israel

EraPatriarchs · c. 2000 BC

Name meansFather of many

Former nameAbram

WifeSarah

Son of promiseIsaac

Originally named Abram, he was called by God to leave Ur and his father’s household for a land he had never seen, on the strength of a promise: that God would make him into a great nation and bless all peoples through him.

Though he and his wife Sarah were old and childless, Abraham believed God’s promise of a son, and “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The son, Isaac, was born in their old age. Abraham’s faith was later tested when God asked him to offer Isaac — a test he passed when God provided a substitute.

God renamed him Abraham, “father of many,” and made a covenant with him sealed by circumcision. The New Testament holds him up as the model of justifying faith for all who believe.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Genesis 12:1 “Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.” Genesis 15:6 “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Genesis 22:8 “Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two walked on together.” Romans 4:3 “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.””

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