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Genesis 12:2
Verse
Context
The Call of Abram
1Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. 2I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will make of thee a great nation - i.e., The Jewish people; and make thy name great, alluding to the change of his name from Abram, a high father, to Abraham, the father of a multitude.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will make of thee a great nation,.... In a literal sense, as the people of the Jews were that descended from him, and in a spiritual sense believers in all ages and of all nations, that walk in the steps of the faith of Abram, who are his children, and are blessed with him: and I will bless thee; not only with temporal blessings, but principally with spiritual ones, since Abram in person had no share of the land of Canaan; even with the adoption of children and friendship with God; with justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ, which blessedness came upon him when uncircumcised; with a large measure of faith, and every other grace; with the sanctification of the Spirit, and an increase of it until brought to perfection; and with eternal glory and happiness, a right, title, and meetness for it, and the full possession of it: and make thy name great; as it was among the Jews his descendants, who boasted of having Abram for their father; and among the several nations of the world; his name is famous in profane history, and is in high esteem with the Mahometans to this day; and especially his name is great and famous, and the memory of him precious among all those who have obtained like precious faith with him, in every age and in every nation: and thou shall be a blessing; to all that knew him and conversed with him, they receiving spiritual light and knowledge by means of his instruction, and to all that should hear and read of his faith and piety, being encouraged by his example: or, "shall be blessing"; blessing itself, that is, most blessed, exceedingly blessed; as a very wicked man may be called wickedness itself; as "scelus" for "scelestus" with the Latins; so a good man may be called blessing itself, extremely happy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 make you famous (literally make your name great): Abram received the fame sought by the builders of Babel (see 11:4 and study note). • and you will be a blessing (or so that you will be a blessing): This clause is a command in Hebrew, but it is also a promise conditioned upon Abram’s obedience to God’s command (12:1): “Go . . . so that you will be a blessing. Be a blessing, so that I can bless and curse others.”
Genesis 12:2
The Call of Abram
1Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. 2I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Man on the Go
By Warren Wiersbe18K34:42Christian LifeGEN 12:2MAT 28:19ACT 20:1ROM 15:21CO 12:271TH 5:11HEB 10:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preaching for too long. However, the speaker argues that these criticisms were unfounded and stemmed from a lack of spiritual appetite. Paul's ministry involved ministering to the churches at large, as well as to individual believers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of identifying with a local church and serving God within that community.
(A Heavenly Church) 6. Contentment
By Zac Poonen3.3K1:04:06GEN 12:2MAT 6:33LUK 17:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:21PHP 2:13HEB 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a father in heaven who provides for our needs. He encourages the audience to be faithful and righteous with money, as this is a testimony of our trust in God. The speaker paraphrases Luke 16:11, stating that if we are faithful with money, God will entrust us with true riches. He also highlights the need to be content in all circumstances, whether we have little or much, and warns against comparing ourselves to others.
(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K03:56GenesisGEN 12:2GEN 15:18GEN 17:6GEN 35:22GEN 48:5GEN 49:28MIC 4:4In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an everlasting possession. These promises are important throughout the Old and New Testaments. The speaker also mentions that God promised to make them a blessing to all nations. While two-thirds of the promise have been fulfilled, the speaker believes that the fulfillment of the promise regarding the land will occur in the future, during the millennium. Additionally, the speaker discusses how Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, will each become a tribe in Israel.
The Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K42:48Fear Of The LordGEN 12:2PRO 9:10MAT 12:36LUK 12:48ACT 1:8ROM 2:16HEB 12:29In this video, Brother KP Johanin discusses the importance of fearing the Lord and how it can impact our lives. He emphasizes that God has called and blessed us to be a blessing to others in this generation. Johanin shares stories from his own life to illustrate the significance of fearing the Lord. He also mentions the challenges faced by missionaries in Asia due to martial law, but highlights the growth of the church in spite of these obstacles. Overall, the message encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to live a life of sacrifice and obedience.
(Through the Bible) Numbers 21-28
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:29:34GEN 12:2NUM 23:19NUM 23:23MAL 3:6MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker uses a football game as an analogy to explain how God sees our lives. He emphasizes that God's purposes remain steadfast and sure, even though it may appear that He changes His plans. The speaker also mentions the book of the wars of the Lord, which is a missing book in the Bible that describes the wars God fought. The sermon concludes with a reference to a well called Bear, where the Lord provided water for the Israelites.
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K56:56Sermon on the MountGEN 1:28GEN 9:1GEN 12:2PSA 1:1PSA 84:4MAT 28:18ACT 19:15In this sermon, the preacher talks about the challenges and struggles faced by believers in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being anointed by the Holy Spirit and refers to the story of Samson as a type of the spirit anointed man. The preacher also mentions an incident from the eighth and ninth chapters of Acts where preachers were beaten up by demons after trying to cast them out. He criticizes the practice of begging for funds and highlights the need for Christians to live holy lives in an unholy world. The preacher expresses his frustration with boring church services and calls for the Holy Spirit to bring life and excitement to meetings.
A Passion to Know Him Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.7K24:58Knowing GodGEN 12:2MAT 22:39MAT 28:19MRK 10:45LUK 10:25JHN 13:34JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a young girl in need on a busy street. He is moved by her plight and gives her all the money he has. This encounter leads him to reflect on the value and preciousness of every human life, reminding him of the importance of caring for orphans and widows in their distress. The speaker then discusses the heart of compassion displayed by Jesus during his earthly ministry and encourages listeners to embrace and share that same compassion. He concludes by sharing a story about William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, who emphasized the importance of serving others through a simple message: "Others."
Something Money Can't Buy (Part 12)
By Jim Cymbala1.6K31:40ProblemsGEN 12:2EXO 20:2PSA 119:49ISA 43:2ISA 46:9JER 29:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a testimony of God's faithfulness. He highlights that pastors and believers are seeking to hear from those who have experienced God's hand at work in their lives. The speaker also discusses the significance of God's choice of Jacob over Esau, and how God led the Israelites through slavery and hardship in Egypt. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a man questioning his worthiness to preach due to his son's spiritual struggles.
Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 4 of 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K47:52RecoveryGEN 12:2EXO 2:11JDG 6:12JOB 28:23PRO 3:19MAT 20:28PHP 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges and relates it to the letter to the Philippians. The preacher emphasizes that God calls specific instruments according to His purpose and for the glory of His name. The preacher also highlights the importance of having the mind of Christ and emptying oneself to be used by God. The sermon concludes with a reference to the book of Job and the concept of finding wisdom in the emptiness.
(Church Leadership) 13. Jesus Is the Author of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.5K58:21GEN 12:2ZEC 8:13MAT 4:17MAT 22:37ACT 20:21HEB 11:6HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God. He shares a story of two individuals, one who believed in God's power and another who did not. Despite the messiness of their lives, the one who believed became a great blessing to God. The speaker highlights the need for repentance and faith, not just for unbelievers but also for believers. He references the message of repentance given by Jesus and the apostles. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to pursue wisdom, as it brings success and gentleness in our words and actions.
Three Stages of Spiritual Growth - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.4K10:13GEN 12:2MAT 6:33MRK 12:30GAL 3:9HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to bless us and make us a blessing to others, highlighting that fulfilling this purpose is essential in our lives. It urges believers to seek God's will and not wait until the final judgment to realize missed opportunities. The message stresses the significance of faith in God's promises and the need to prioritize Him above all else, as loving God first leads to true blessings and fulfillment in life.
The True Use of Self, 1968
By Norman Grubb1.3K1:34:34Self-LifeGEN 12:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and interpreting the Bible. They emphasize that it is not always easy to comprehend the deeper meaning of scripture and that it requires effort and study. The speaker encourages listeners to actively engage with the Bible and seek a deeper understanding of its teachings. They also mention the concept of Christ being present in the world and the need to align oneself with His teachings. The sermon references the book of Romans and the writer's perspective on the suffering of innocent people.
Three Stages of Spiritual Growth - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:20GEN 12:2This sermon emphasizes the glory of the New Covenant and the transformative power of understanding what Jesus did for us. It highlights the concept of being a blessing to all we encounter through various means of communication, including the internet. The message focuses on complete surrender to God, allowing Him to bless us without reservation, leading to a life of worship and limitless blessings to others. The sermon also explores the three levels of the Christian life - children, young men, and fathers - urging believers to progress towards spiritual maturity and intimacy with God.
Abraham, My Friend: 08 Beachheads and Blessings
By Ron Bailey1.3K11:41AbrahamGEN 12:2PSA 139:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Abraham and how he became a praying man and a friend of God. The speaker emphasizes the unique revelation of God in the Bible, where God is both transcendent and imminent. Unlike other religions, where God is either distant or constantly underfoot, the Bible teaches that God is able to focus on and bless individual people. Abraham was chosen by God to be a beachhead, a point of contact for God's blessings to reach others. The ultimate purpose of Abraham's blessings was not for his own benefit, but for him to become a blessing to all the families of the earth.
Progress of Redemption #05
By David Shirley1.1K1:14:41RedemptionGEN 12:2MAT 9:14MAT 16:18MRK 13:2LUK 24:49ACT 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of both words and deeds in the preaching of the word of God. They explain that Jesus, who worked and taught on earth, continues to do the same work from heaven through his spirit and his people. The significance of Jesus' ascension is interpreted through Paul's words in Ephesians 4:8-13. The sermon also highlights God's plan to make a great nation through Abraham in the Old Testament and to build his church in the New Testament, with the purpose of proclaiming the Messiah. The transition from the old to the new is seen in the destruction of the temple in AD 70 and the sending of the Holy Spirit to form the church.
Kingdom Righteousness
By Wingrove Taylor1.0K52:15GEN 12:2LEV 11:44LEV 20:26MAT 6:331TH 4:31TH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where a little girl desperately wants a bag, highlighting the human tendency towards self-deification and the need for sanctification. He then references Romans chapter 1, explaining how the refusal to honor and glorify God leads to the degradation of the world. The preacher then shifts to the story of Abraham, emphasizing how God's pronouncements not only relate to behavior but also to blessings. He shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance in his church and emphasizes the importance of doing God's will and recognizing that it is not severe but rather sweet.
The House Churches in China
By Ralph Mahoney8501:09:00GEN 12:2This sermon shares the incredible journey of house church leaders in China, facing persecution and spreading the Gospel amidst challenges. It emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and dedication in ministry, highlighting the need to pass on blessings and reach out to the lost with a heart of love and sacrifice.
The Dawn of New Blessing
By K.P. Yohannan73628:14BlessingGEN 12:2MAT 3:13HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding genuine peace and purpose in life. He highlights the sadness of lacking purpose and the temporary nature of accumulating wealth. The speaker uses the example of Jesus, who endured mockery and sacrifice throughout his life, to illustrate the concept of paying the price for blessings. He also mentions the examples of Mother Teresa and Sadhu Sundar Singh, who lived selflessly for others. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to understand that the purpose of life is not to seek personal gain, but to live for others and be a blessing to them.
(Pdf Book) Walk Before Me
By Bakht Singh61500:00EbooksDivine FriendshipObedience to GodGEN 12:2ISA 41:8JHN 15:15Bakht Singh emphasizes the profound friendship between God and Abraham, illustrating how God revealed His secrets to Abraham as a reward for his faith and obedience. He highlights the importance of spiritual detachment from worldly relationships to fully embrace God's calling and blessings, as seen in Abraham's separation from Lot. The sermon also discusses the necessity of spiritual nourishment through Christ, who is our bread of life, and the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges. Ultimately, Singh encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all earthly affections, as true obedience leads to divine blessings.
"Have You Understood All These Things?"
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Kingdom of GodSpiritual UnderstandingGEN 12:2PSA 119:18MAT 3:2MAT 11:28MAT 13:1MAT 13:51MAT 26:31JHN 2:23JHN 3:4REV 12:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical importance of spiritual understanding in his sermon 'Have You Understood All These Things?'. He reflects on Jesus' parables, which were delivered during a significant crisis in Israel's history, highlighting that the Kingdom of God was being established while the old order was being set aside. Sparks warns against merely intellectual acceptance of these teachings, as exemplified by Nicodemus, who despite his knowledge, lacked true spiritual insight. He stresses that true entry into the Kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth and surrender to the Holy Spirit, especially in times of crisis. The sermon concludes with a call to ensure that one's understanding of the Kingdom is rooted in spiritual revelation rather than mere intellectual assent.
Power Working Invisibly
By George Fox0GEN 12:2PSA 27:14PRO 3:5LUK 22:422CO 1:20George Fox preaches about surrendering our will to God's will, following the example of Jesus who submitted to the Father's will. He warns against striving in our own will against God's providence and power, urging us to wait in the fear of the Lord to discern our duty. Fox emphasizes the importance of faithfulness like Abraham in receiving God's blessings and avoiding curses through forwardness and rashness. He concludes with a prayer for faith in Christ Jesus, in whom all promises are fulfilled.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 9. the Highway of Happiness
By Zac Poonen0GEN 12:2GEN 22:18PSA 23:5PRO 5:11ECC 10:8ISA 35:8JHN 2:1ACT 20:35GAL 3:14GAL 6:71JN 3:5Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of choosing to walk on God's Highway of Happiness in the realms of sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the need for obedience to God and respect for His boundaries. He warns against the consequences of breaking through God's fences, using the example of Eve being deceived by the Devil in the garden of Eden. Poonen highlights the significance of inviting Jesus into marriages, allowing Him to solve problems and meet needs, as seen in the wedding at Cana where Jesus manifested His glory. He encourages couples to obey God's commands, transforming the ordinary aspects of married life into something precious and valuable.
Chapman , Robert Cleaver Bio
By John Bjorlie0GEN 12:2MAT 22:39ACT 20:351CO 6:11CO 13:4EPH 4:2PHP 2:3COL 3:121TI 3:3HEB 13:16John Bjorlie preaches about the remarkable life of Robert Cleaver Chapman, a man known for his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Despite being born into wealth and having a promising legal career, Robert's encounter with the grace of God led to a dramatic conversion that changed the course of his life. He dedicated himself to serving God wholeheartedly, living a life of humility, prayer, and selflessness, impacting many lives through his hospitality, love, and commitment to the gospel. Robert's missionary zeal, sacrificial lifestyle, and deep love for God and others serve as an inspiring example of true Christian discipleship.
Epistle 203
By George Fox0GEN 12:2PSA 23:2PSA 145:13ISA 40:31LUK 1:33JHN 10:201CO 4:8EPH 3:21HEB 7:16REV 19:16George Fox preaches about reigning as kings in the Father's hand, following the King of kings who gives abundant life, and experiencing the endless kingdom and dominion with joy and comfort. He encourages dwelling in the light, minding the seed of God, and being diligent in serving the Lord to be a blessing and sweet savour unto Him. Fox emphasizes feeling and knowing the power of an endless life, a kingdom with no end, and a dominion over all dominions, leading to possessing everlasting life and meeting together to wait upon the Lord.
Is God Really Late?
By George Warnock0GEN 12:2PSA 27:14PSA 105:19GAL 4:4PHP 1:6George Warnock preaches about God's timing, emphasizing that although God may seem late by human standards, He is always right on time according to His plan and purpose. The waiting period is a crucial part of our training where we learn to rely on God's strength and wisdom, letting go of our own efforts. Through examples like Abraham, Joseph, and David, we see how God's promises are fulfilled in His perfect timing, shaping and preparing us for His purposes.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I will make of thee a great nation - i.e., The Jewish people; and make thy name great, alluding to the change of his name from Abram, a high father, to Abraham, the father of a multitude.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will make of thee a great nation,.... In a literal sense, as the people of the Jews were that descended from him, and in a spiritual sense believers in all ages and of all nations, that walk in the steps of the faith of Abram, who are his children, and are blessed with him: and I will bless thee; not only with temporal blessings, but principally with spiritual ones, since Abram in person had no share of the land of Canaan; even with the adoption of children and friendship with God; with justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ, which blessedness came upon him when uncircumcised; with a large measure of faith, and every other grace; with the sanctification of the Spirit, and an increase of it until brought to perfection; and with eternal glory and happiness, a right, title, and meetness for it, and the full possession of it: and make thy name great; as it was among the Jews his descendants, who boasted of having Abram for their father; and among the several nations of the world; his name is famous in profane history, and is in high esteem with the Mahometans to this day; and especially his name is great and famous, and the memory of him precious among all those who have obtained like precious faith with him, in every age and in every nation: and thou shall be a blessing; to all that knew him and conversed with him, they receiving spiritual light and knowledge by means of his instruction, and to all that should hear and read of his faith and piety, being encouraged by his example: or, "shall be blessing"; blessing itself, that is, most blessed, exceedingly blessed; as a very wicked man may be called wickedness itself; as "scelus" for "scelestus" with the Latins; so a good man may be called blessing itself, extremely happy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 make you famous (literally make your name great): Abram received the fame sought by the builders of Babel (see 11:4 and study note). • and you will be a blessing (or so that you will be a blessing): This clause is a command in Hebrew, but it is also a promise conditioned upon Abram’s obedience to God’s command (12:1): “Go . . . so that you will be a blessing. Be a blessing, so that I can bless and curse others.”