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Genesis 12:4
Verse
Context
The Call of Abram
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. ”4So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,
Sermons
Elisabeth Elliot
J. Vernon McGee
S. Lewis Johnson
J. Henry Brown
Jim Cymbala
Art KatzSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Abram was seventy and five years old - As Abram was now seventy-five years old, and his father Terah had just died, at the age of two hundred and five, consequently Terah must have been one hundred and thirty when Abram was born; and the seventieth year of his age mentioned Gen 11:26, was the period at which Haran, not Abram, was born. See on Genesis 11 (note).
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Removal to Canaan. - Abram cheerfully followed the call of the Lord, and "departed as the Lord had spoken to him." He was then 75 years old. His age is given, because a new period in the history of mankind commenced with his exodus. After this brief notice there follows a more circumstantial account, in Gen 12:5, of the fact that he left Haran with his wife, with Lot, and with all that they possessed of servants and cattle, whereas Terah remained in Haran (cf. Gen 11:31). עשׂוּ אשׁר הנּפשׁ are not the souls which they had begotten, but the male and female slaves that Abram and Lot had acquired.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him,.... Or, "when the Lord had spoken to him", as Cocceius renders the words; when he had called him a second time, even when in Haran, immediately after the death of his father Terah; as soon as ever the words were spoken to him before recorded, he immediately prepared and got all things ready for his journey, and departed from Haran, as he had done before from Ur of the Chaldees: and Lot went with him; of his own accord, and he only, besides his wife Sarai and his servants, for Terah was dead, and Nahor and his family stayed behind. And Abram was seventy five years old when he departed out of Haran; by which it appears, as has been observed, that he was not Terah's eldest son, born when he was seventy years of age, Gen 11:26 for then he must have been at this time, one hundred and thirty five years old, since his father, who was just now dead, lived to be two hundred and five years old, Gen 11:32 so that Abram must be born in the one hundred and thirtieth year of Terah: how many years before this time he was converted from idolatry cannot be said with any certainty; various are the accounts given by the Jewish writers; some say that at three years of age he knew his Creator; others at eight; others thirteen; others more probably when forty; others fifty one; others fifty two; and others say he was sixty years old when he began publicly to assert the unity of God in heaven (z): however, all agree it was before the age here mentioned, as it may well be concluded. (z) Vid. Pirke Eliezer, c. 26. Maimon. Hilchot obede cocabim, c. 1. sect. 3. & Comment. in ib. Juchasin, fol. 9. 2. Shalshelet, fol. 2. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. Abraham's removal out of his country, out of Ur first and afterwards out of Haran, in compliance with the call of God: So Abram departed; he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but did as he was bidden, not conferring with flesh and blood, Gal 1:15, Gal 1:16. His obedience was speedy and without delay, submissive and without dispute; for he went out, not knowing whither he went (Heb 11:8), but knowing whom he followed and under whose direction he went. Thus God called him to his foot, Isa 41:2. II. His age when he removed: he was seventy-five years old, an age when he should rather have had rest and settlement; but, if God will have him to begin the world again now in his old age, he will submit. Here is an instance of an old convert. III. The company and cargo that he took with him. 1. He took his wife, and his nephew Lot, with him; not by force and against their wills, but by persuasion. Sarai, his wife, would be sure to go with him; God had joined them together, and nothing should put them asunder. If Abram leave all, to follow God, Sarai will leave all, to follow Abram, though neither of them knew whither. And it was a mercy to Abram to have such a companion in his travels, a help meet for him. Note, It is very comfortable when husband and wife agree to go together in the way to heaven. Lot also, his kinsman, was influenced by Abram's good example, who was perhaps his guardian after the death of his father, and he was willing to go along with him too. Note, Those that go to Canaan need not go alone, for, though few find the strait gate, blessed be God, some do; and it is our wisdom to go with those with whom God is (Zac 8:23), wherever they go. 2. They took all their effects with them - all their substance and movable goods, that they had gathered. For, (1.) With themselves they would give up their all, to be at God's disposal, would keep back no part of the price, but venture all in one bottom, knowing it was a good bottom. (2.) They would furnish themselves with that which was requisite, both for the service of God and the supply of their family, in the country whither they were going. To have thrown away his substance, because God had promised to bless him, would have been to tempt God, not to trust him. (3.) They would not be under any temptation to return; therefore they leave not a hoof behind, lest that should make them mindful of the country from which they came out. 3. They took with them the souls that they had gotten, that is, (1.) The servants they had bought, which were part of their substance, but are called souls, to remind masters that their poor servants have souls, precious souls, which they ought to take care of and provide food convenient for. (2.) The proselytes they had made, and persuaded to attend the worship of the true God, and to go with them to Canaan: the souls which (as one of the rabbin expresses it) they had gathered under the wings of the divine Majesty. Note, Those who serve and follow God themselves should do all they can to bring others to serve and follow him too. These souls they are said to have gained. We must reckon ourselves true gainers if we can but win souls to Christ. IV. Here is their happy arrival at their journey's end: They went forth to go into the land of Canaan; so they did before (Gen 11:31), and then took up short, but now they held on their way, and, by the good hand of their God upon them, to the land of Canaan they came, where by a fresh revelation they were told that this was the land God promised to show them. They were not discouraged by the difficulties they met with in their way, nor diverted by the delights they met with, but pressed forward. Note, 1. Those that set out for heaven must persevere to the end, still reaching forth to those things that are before. 2. That which we undertake in obedience to God's command, and a humble attendance upon his providence, will certainly succeed, and end with comfort at last.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:4-9 Abram’s obedience to God’s call corresponded to God’s commands (see study note on 12:1-3). He journeyed to Canaan (12:4-6) and became a blessing (12:5-9). 12:4 Abram was middle-aged, settled, prosperous, aristocratic, and polytheistic (see study note on 11:27-32). When the Lord spoke to him (12:1-3), he obediently left his old ways in Ur to follow God’s plan. Since Abram responded in faith, God’s promises (12:2-3) could be confirmed in a binding covenant (15:8-21).
Genesis 12:4
The Call of Abram
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. ”4So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Servants of All
By Elisabeth Elliot3.7K44:45ServanthoodGEN 12:1GEN 12:4MAT 25:40MAT 25:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving others and getting rid of self-pity. He references Isaiah 58:10, which states that if one pours themselves out for the hungry, the Lord will satisfy their soul. The speaker encourages listeners to become servants of Jesus Christ by putting aside their own agendas and saying yes to their responsibilities, such as their spouse and children. He also highlights the passage in Matthew 25:40, where Jesus teaches that whatever is done for the least of his brothers is done for him. The sermon concludes with the message to see Christ in oneself and in one's spouse.
(Genesis) Genesis 12:4-9
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K05:49GEN 12:4GEN 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in order to receive blessings. The preacher uses the example of Abram, who only saw God appear to him after he obeyed and moved into the land of Canaan. Abram built altars to the Lord wherever he went, showing his devotion. However, the preacher points out that Abram initially disobeyed God by bringing his relatives with him, which was not what God had instructed. The preacher explains that God wanted to separate Abram from his idolatrous relatives in order to save humanity.
(Genesis) 24 - the First Great Pilgrim Father
By S. Lewis Johnson1.4K50:44AbrahamGEN 12:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Abram and highlights three key aspects. Firstly, the promises of God played a significant role in Abram's life, as he believed and trusted in them. The preacher references Hebrews 11 to emphasize the importance of faith in God's promises. Secondly, Abram embarked on his journey based on the Word of God, demonstrating his obedience and faith. Lastly, Abram lived as a pilgrim and stranger on earth, just like Christians are called to do. The preacher draws a parallel to John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" to illustrate this concept.
Man's Cause and It's Effect gen.11:1-9
By J. Henry Brown1.2K50:54CurseGEN 3:23GEN 4:16GEN 10:1GEN 11:1GEN 12:1GEN 12:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how the people of that time decided to build a city and a tower that would reach up to heaven, in an attempt to make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered. The preacher emphasizes the theme of man-gathered and God-scattered. He also references previous topics discussed in the sermon series, such as man's melody and God's remedy, and God's provision and man's decision. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a woman who attended the preacher's meetings but had not yet become a Christian.
Abraham, My Friend: 07 Back on the Flight Path
By Ron Bailey1.2K12:01AbrahamGEN 12:1GEN 12:4JON 2:7JON 3:1MAT 6:33LUK 15:17ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "Gospel of the Second Chance" using the story of Jonah and Abraham from the Bible. He emphasizes that God is a God of grace and forgiveness, always ready to give a second chance to those who have made mistakes. The speaker encourages listeners who may feel like they have "blown it" to remember that the Bible is full of examples of prodigals who have turned their lives around. He concludes by reminding listeners that God can do great things with ordinary people, and encourages them to embrace their own potential for a fresh start.
The Journey
By Jim Cymbala93124:08Christian LifeGEN 12:1GEN 12:4MAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 16:31ROM 4:3HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Abraham did not have a Bible, but God still spoke to him and guided him. The preacher encourages the audience to be open to God's approaches, whether through dreams, songs, or the words of a child. The sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving and holding onto God's promises, as they have the power to transform and bless our lives. The preacher challenges the audience to seek a deeper spiritual movement and not settle for a mundane Christian life.
K-519 Tv Show Part 3 Abraham
By Art Katz70126:17InterviewGEN 12:1GEN 12:4DEU 6:5PSA 103:1MAT 7:24MAT 22:37JHN 5:39In this video, Art Katz and Paul Gordon discuss their experiences as Messianic Jews and the transformative power of their faith in Jesus Christ. They emphasize the importance of praising, worshiping, and serving God, as well as obeying His call to follow Him. They reference Psalm 103:1, which speaks of seeking God's blessing through obedience. They also reflect on the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) in the Bible, highlighting his immediate obedience to God's call to leave his homeland.
Acts Highlights - Part 3
By George Verwer13933:58Book Of ActsGEN 12:4EXO 2:20ACT 7:46ACT 7:59In this sermon, the speaker discusses the message of Stephen, who emphasizes the guilt of the people before God. Stephen talks about the history of Abraham, Moses, and David, highlighting their importance. The speaker emphasizes the need for flexibility and availability to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even for those with administrative responsibilities in the church. The sermon then shifts to discussing the testimony of Philip, another servant of the Lord who was involved in practical work but also actively shared the gospel. The speaker emphasizes the concept of radical grace and the importance of forgiveness, as demonstrated by Stephen in his final moments.
The First of the Pilgrim Fathers
By F.B. Meyer0Pilgrimage of FaithWorship and SacrificeGEN 12:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes the life of Abram as a model for pilgrims of faith, illustrating how he journeyed through life as a stranger and sojourner, focused on eternal promises rather than earthly possessions. Meyer highlights three key aspects of Abram's life: the tent symbolizing his detachment from worldly concerns, the altar representing his commitment to worship and sacrifice, and the promise of God that guided his path. He encourages believers to adopt a similar mindset, living as pilgrims with a focus on the eternal city, while also establishing altars of worship in their lives. The sermon calls for a separation from worldly distractions and a deeper commitment to faith and family worship, reminding us that obedience to God leads to the fulfillment of His promises.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Abram was seventy and five years old - As Abram was now seventy-five years old, and his father Terah had just died, at the age of two hundred and five, consequently Terah must have been one hundred and thirty when Abram was born; and the seventieth year of his age mentioned Gen 11:26, was the period at which Haran, not Abram, was born. See on Genesis 11 (note).
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Removal to Canaan. - Abram cheerfully followed the call of the Lord, and "departed as the Lord had spoken to him." He was then 75 years old. His age is given, because a new period in the history of mankind commenced with his exodus. After this brief notice there follows a more circumstantial account, in Gen 12:5, of the fact that he left Haran with his wife, with Lot, and with all that they possessed of servants and cattle, whereas Terah remained in Haran (cf. Gen 11:31). עשׂוּ אשׁר הנּפשׁ are not the souls which they had begotten, but the male and female slaves that Abram and Lot had acquired.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him,.... Or, "when the Lord had spoken to him", as Cocceius renders the words; when he had called him a second time, even when in Haran, immediately after the death of his father Terah; as soon as ever the words were spoken to him before recorded, he immediately prepared and got all things ready for his journey, and departed from Haran, as he had done before from Ur of the Chaldees: and Lot went with him; of his own accord, and he only, besides his wife Sarai and his servants, for Terah was dead, and Nahor and his family stayed behind. And Abram was seventy five years old when he departed out of Haran; by which it appears, as has been observed, that he was not Terah's eldest son, born when he was seventy years of age, Gen 11:26 for then he must have been at this time, one hundred and thirty five years old, since his father, who was just now dead, lived to be two hundred and five years old, Gen 11:32 so that Abram must be born in the one hundred and thirtieth year of Terah: how many years before this time he was converted from idolatry cannot be said with any certainty; various are the accounts given by the Jewish writers; some say that at three years of age he knew his Creator; others at eight; others thirteen; others more probably when forty; others fifty one; others fifty two; and others say he was sixty years old when he began publicly to assert the unity of God in heaven (z): however, all agree it was before the age here mentioned, as it may well be concluded. (z) Vid. Pirke Eliezer, c. 26. Maimon. Hilchot obede cocabim, c. 1. sect. 3. & Comment. in ib. Juchasin, fol. 9. 2. Shalshelet, fol. 2. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. Abraham's removal out of his country, out of Ur first and afterwards out of Haran, in compliance with the call of God: So Abram departed; he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but did as he was bidden, not conferring with flesh and blood, Gal 1:15, Gal 1:16. His obedience was speedy and without delay, submissive and without dispute; for he went out, not knowing whither he went (Heb 11:8), but knowing whom he followed and under whose direction he went. Thus God called him to his foot, Isa 41:2. II. His age when he removed: he was seventy-five years old, an age when he should rather have had rest and settlement; but, if God will have him to begin the world again now in his old age, he will submit. Here is an instance of an old convert. III. The company and cargo that he took with him. 1. He took his wife, and his nephew Lot, with him; not by force and against their wills, but by persuasion. Sarai, his wife, would be sure to go with him; God had joined them together, and nothing should put them asunder. If Abram leave all, to follow God, Sarai will leave all, to follow Abram, though neither of them knew whither. And it was a mercy to Abram to have such a companion in his travels, a help meet for him. Note, It is very comfortable when husband and wife agree to go together in the way to heaven. Lot also, his kinsman, was influenced by Abram's good example, who was perhaps his guardian after the death of his father, and he was willing to go along with him too. Note, Those that go to Canaan need not go alone, for, though few find the strait gate, blessed be God, some do; and it is our wisdom to go with those with whom God is (Zac 8:23), wherever they go. 2. They took all their effects with them - all their substance and movable goods, that they had gathered. For, (1.) With themselves they would give up their all, to be at God's disposal, would keep back no part of the price, but venture all in one bottom, knowing it was a good bottom. (2.) They would furnish themselves with that which was requisite, both for the service of God and the supply of their family, in the country whither they were going. To have thrown away his substance, because God had promised to bless him, would have been to tempt God, not to trust him. (3.) They would not be under any temptation to return; therefore they leave not a hoof behind, lest that should make them mindful of the country from which they came out. 3. They took with them the souls that they had gotten, that is, (1.) The servants they had bought, which were part of their substance, but are called souls, to remind masters that their poor servants have souls, precious souls, which they ought to take care of and provide food convenient for. (2.) The proselytes they had made, and persuaded to attend the worship of the true God, and to go with them to Canaan: the souls which (as one of the rabbin expresses it) they had gathered under the wings of the divine Majesty. Note, Those who serve and follow God themselves should do all they can to bring others to serve and follow him too. These souls they are said to have gained. We must reckon ourselves true gainers if we can but win souls to Christ. IV. Here is their happy arrival at their journey's end: They went forth to go into the land of Canaan; so they did before (Gen 11:31), and then took up short, but now they held on their way, and, by the good hand of their God upon them, to the land of Canaan they came, where by a fresh revelation they were told that this was the land God promised to show them. They were not discouraged by the difficulties they met with in their way, nor diverted by the delights they met with, but pressed forward. Note, 1. Those that set out for heaven must persevere to the end, still reaching forth to those things that are before. 2. That which we undertake in obedience to God's command, and a humble attendance upon his providence, will certainly succeed, and end with comfort at last.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:4-9 Abram’s obedience to God’s call corresponded to God’s commands (see study note on 12:1-3). He journeyed to Canaan (12:4-6) and became a blessing (12:5-9). 12:4 Abram was middle-aged, settled, prosperous, aristocratic, and polytheistic (see study note on 11:27-32). When the Lord spoke to him (12:1-3), he obediently left his old ways in Ur to follow God’s plan. Since Abram responded in faith, God’s promises (12:2-3) could be confirmed in a binding covenant (15:8-21).