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Genesis 12:7
Verse
Context
The Call of Abram
6Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord appeared - In what way this appearance was made we know not; it was probably by the great angel of the covenant, Jesus the Christ. The appearance, whatsoever it was, perfectly satisfied Abram, and proved itself to be supernatural and Divine. It is worthy of remark that Abram is the first man to whom God is said to have shown himself or appeared: 1. In Ur of the Chaldees, Act 7:2; and 2. At the oak of Moreh, as in this verse. As מורה Moreh signifies a teacher, probably this was called the oak of Moreh or the teacher, because God manifested himself here, and instructed Abram concerning the future possession of that land by his posterity, and the dispensation of the mercy of God to all the families of the earth through the promised Messiah. See on Gen 15:7 (note).
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Here in Sichem Jehovah appeared to him, and assured him of the possession of the land of Canaan for his descendants. The assurance was made by means of an appearance of Jehovah, as a sign that this land was henceforth to be the scene of the manifestation of Jehovah. Abram understood this, "and there builded he an altar to Jehovah, who appeared to him," to make the soil which was hallowed by the appearance of God a place for the worship of the God who appeared to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Unto thy seed will I give this land--God was dealing with Abram not in his private and personal capacity merely, but with a view to high and important interests in future ages. That land his posterity was for centuries to inhabit as a peculiar people; the seeds of divine knowledge were to be sown there for the benefit of all mankind; and considered in its geographical situation, it was chosen in divine wisdom as the fittest of all lands to serve as the cradle of a divine revelation designed for the whole world. and there builded he an altar unto the Lord--By this solemn act of devotion Abram made an open profession of his religion, established the worship of the true God, and declared his faith in the promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared unto Abram,.... Perhaps in an human form, and so it was the Son of God; for whenever there was any visible appearance of a divine Person, under the former dispensation, it seems to be always of the essential Word, that was to be incarnate, and who spake with an articulate voice: and said, unto thy seed will I give this land; the whole of it inhabited by Canaanites and others; and it was for this end chiefly that Abram was called out of Chaldea into Canaan, to be shown the land, and have the grant of it for his posterity: and there builded an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him: by way of gratitude and thankfulness for his kind and gracious appearance, and for the gift of the land of Canaan to his offspring; for on this altar he no doubt offered sacrifice in a way of thanksgiving, as Noah did when he came out of the ark.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7 The Lord appeared to Abram at Shechem (12:6) to confirm that this land was the Promised Land. Israel was to occupy this land, but sharing in God’s promises required their faith (cp. Num 14; Josh 1:6-9). • to your descendants: Abram did not yet possess the land; he lived as a temporary settler.
Genesis 12:7
The Call of Abram
6Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring. ” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hebrews 11 - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill5.4K1:19:30GEN 11:30GEN 12:7LUK 24:13HEB 11:1HEB 11:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights key moments in his journey as described in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word and leaving behind familiar surroundings. He also discusses how Abraham chose to suffer affliction with the children of God rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin. The preacher mentions Abraham's trip to Egypt during a famine and the mistake he made by claiming his wife as his sister. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the significance of walking in step with God and being cautious about the offerings we make.
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now!
By A.W. Tozer5.2K32:15Religious RutGEN 12:7DEU 1:6DEU 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 10:151CO 11:11GAL 3:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith seriously and commit fully to God. The preacher believes that if everyone in the church truly embraces this mindset, it will have a powerful impact on the community and lead to spiritual revival. He warns against procrastinating and waiting for help that may never come, urging people to accept God's help and guidance in their lives now.
Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1
By Carter Conlon2.7K56:38Double PortionGEN 12:7GEN 28:182KI 2:15MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ACT 4:12EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and those who rely on human reasoning. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God and not to be ashamed or hesitant to follow His lead, even when it may seem uncertain. He also emphasizes the need for faith in the body of Christ, rather than just knowledge, and the importance of praising God and allowing Him to work through us.
God's Marvelous Grace
By Chuck Smith2.1K27:29GraceGEN 12:7EXO 20:3EXO 32:8DEU 7:1PSA 1:2PSA 19:10EZK 11:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, the people refused to listen and even persecuted the prophets. The speaker then focuses on Ezekiel chapter 11, where God promises to give the people a new heart and spirit so that they may walk in His ways. The sermon also highlights the current trend in the church to avoid mentioning sin and judgment, instead focusing on creating a seeker-friendly atmosphere.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Christ in Genesis: Abraham's Altar
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:00:07GenesisGEN 12:1GEN 12:7GEN 22:4GEN 22:6HEB 3:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the third phase of the working of the cross in our lives. He uses the story of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis chapter twenty-two to illustrate the concept of sacrifice and obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the cross of Jesus and how it brings salvation and victory over sin and darkness. He also highlights the need for believers to not only know about the cross but to receive it into their lives and allow it to transform them, letting go of the old self and embracing the new creation in Christ.
The Ark to Jerusalem
By Chuck Smith1.0K25:04ArkGEN 12:7EXO 19:5In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the procession of the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The Ark is brought into the tabernacle that David had prepared for it, and David offers bird and peace offerings before the Lord. After the offerings, David blesses the people and distributes bread and raisin cakes to everyone. The people then depart to their homes, rejoicing and singing songs of praise to the Lord.
The Altar of God
By Joshua Daniel95725:18GEN 12:7EXO 29:42ISA 43:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an altar in our lives for prayer and communication with God. It highlights how people have become weary of spiritual matters and diagnostic rather than seeking the cure through prayer. The speaker draws parallels to historical figures like Abraham who built altars to meet with God, emphasizing the need for a personal and unashamed connection with God through prayer. The message urges a return to the practice of continual prayer and the sanctification of the altar as a place of meeting with God.
K-517 Tv Show Part 1 Testimony
By Art Katz72325:43InterviewGEN 12:7PSA 103:1ISA 6:1MAT 6:33In this video, Paul shares his personal journey of coming to God and the transformation he has experienced in the past year and a half. He explains how he used to worry about everything and pursued worldly pursuits, but realized that without God, life was frustrating and empty. He acknowledges the necessity of having a genuine relationship with God, rather than just invoking His name. Paul and his companion, who are both Jewish, share their belief in Jesus as the Messiah and their joy in acknowledging Him as Lord. They invite viewers to join them in their spiritual walk and introduce a simple verse from the 103rd Psalm as a theme song for their program.
Visions of God - Part 2
By David Adams71537:23GEN 12:7EZK 1:12CO 12:1COL 2:3REV 1:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses how God reveals himself to different individuals in various ways. He mentions examples such as visions, trances, and direct visible encounters. The speaker also explores the story of Abraham and how God chose him despite his lack of personal ability or competency. The sermon emphasizes the selective grace and love of God in choosing individuals for his purposes.
Repairing the Altar
By Joshua Daniel54251:34GEN 12:7EXO 29:42ISA 43:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a personal altar of prayer in our lives, drawing parallels to historical figures like Queen Victoria and biblical characters like Abraham and Manasseh. It highlights the need to repair and maintain our spiritual altars, focusing on genuine communication with God and humbling ourselves before Him. The ultimate altar, symbolized by the cross of Jesus, is central to experiencing God's mercy and love, urging listeners to prioritize prayer and intercession in their lives.
Old Testament Survey - Part 8
By Dick Woodward48426:57GEN 12:7GEN 13:18GEN 16:1GEN 21:1GEN 22:2GEN 22:13MAT 22:37ROM 12:1HEB 11:6This sermon delves into the story of Abraham in the book of Genesis, highlighting the importance of faith in pleasing God and the journey of surrendering everything to Him. It explores the significance of building altars as symbols of response, repentance, relationship, and reality in one's walk with God, emphasizing the need to prioritize God above all else and trust in His plans.
The Altar - a Basic Principle in Man
By G.W. North0SacrificeCommunication with GodGEN 12:7GEN 13:4GEN 22:9EXO 20:24LEV 1:1G.W. North explores the concept of altars and sacrifice, emphasizing that the instinct to offer sacrifices is deeply embedded in human nature, transcending cultures and ages. He highlights Abraham's unique relationship with altars, noting that while he built many, he did not offer sacrifices on them, which distinguished his worship from that of the surrounding cultures. North suggests that Abraham's altars served as testimonies of his communication with God and marked his spiritual journey, despite the absence of blood offerings. The sermon delves into the mystery of sacrifice, questioning how early humans understood the need for atonement and the nature of God's communication regarding sacrifice. Ultimately, North presents the altar as a fundamental principle in man's relationship with the divine, reflecting both obedience and the quest for connection with God.
Zechariah 10:9
By Chuck Smith0ProphecyIsrael's RestorationGEN 12:7GEN 28:13JOS 1:3PSA 122:6ISA 54:17ZEC 10:9MAT 24:36LUK 21:28JHN 19:37ROM 11:25Chuck Smith discusses the Mid-East crisis through the lens of Zechariah 10:9, emphasizing that he is pro-Jesus and not anti-Arab or anti-American. He outlines God's promises to Abraham and Jacob regarding the land, the conditional nature of Israel's tenure, and the prophecy of Israel's eventual restoration after centuries of dispersion. Smith highlights that God will defend Israel against its enemies and that Israel's spiritual awakening is tied to these events, culminating in the recognition of the Messiah. He encourages believers to remain watchful as these prophecies unfold.
Numbers 13:26
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual JourneyFaith vs. FearGEN 12:7EXO 3:8NUM 13:30PSA 23:5JHN 10:10ROM 8:371CO 10:132CO 5:7PHP 4:19HEB 4:1Chuck Smith discusses the significance of Canaan as the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, emphasizing that it represents liberty, rest, and abundance for believers. He contrasts the legitimate wilderness experience, which teaches trust in God, with the illegitimate wilderness experience marked by rebellion and discontent. The sermon highlights the crisis at Kadesh Barnea, where the majority of spies reported fear and doubt, while the faithful two saw God's promise as attainable. Smith encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and the choices they make in faith.
Don’t Let Men Move You. Let God Alone Move You
By Zac Poonen0Obedience to GodDivine GuidanceGEN 11:31GEN 12:7GEN 12:10ISA 11:3JER 17:5MAT 4:4LUK 14:26REV 17:18Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being led by God rather than by the opinions of men, using Abraham's journey as a key example. He illustrates how Abraham's obedience to God's command, despite familial pressures and the allure of comfort, was crucial in building the true Jerusalem. Poonen warns against the tendency to act based on human reasoning, especially during challenging times, and encourages believers to wait for God's direction before making decisions. He highlights that true accomplishment comes from following God's voice, not from seeking approval or success in the eyes of men. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a faith that prioritizes divine guidance over worldly comforts.
The Man in the Land
By Watchman Nee0Obedience and FaithFellowshipGEN 12:7GEN 13:14GEN 15:2GEN 15:6GEN 15:14LUK 5:8HEB 5:8JAS 3:81PE 2:23Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of fellowship among believers, urging us to value one another and practice patience as exemplified by Jesus. He illustrates this through Abraham's tests in Canaan, highlighting the importance of obedience, self-restraint, and trusting God for our inheritance rather than relying on worldly means. Abraham's journey teaches us that true victory comes from spiritual warfare and a humble spirit, as he rescues Lot without harboring resentment. Ultimately, God reassures Abraham of His promises, emphasizing that faith and purity of spirit are essential for fulfilling God's purpose. The sermon calls us to recognize the transformative power of the Cross in our lives.
The Promise of the Land to Israel
By John F. Walvoord0GEN 12:7John F. Walvoord preaches on the significance of the promise of the perpetual possession of the land to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the geographic understanding of the land of Canaan in the call to Abraham. The sermon delves into the historical journey of Abraham and the importance of understanding the land promises in a literal sense. It addresses the spiritualization of the land promises and the arguments for the future fulfillment of these promises based on Old Testament prophecies and the theological implications for Israel's eschatological purpose.
Abraham's Altar
By Keith Malcomson0GEN 12:7GEN 13:6GEN 13:10GEN 13:14ROM 4:12ROM 6:6EPH 4:22COL 3:92PE 2:7Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the altar in the life of Abraham, emphasizing the importance of personal consecration, prayer, and obedience to God's call. The altar symbolizes a life of prayer and seeking after God, as seen in Abraham's journey of faith and separation from the world. Through Abraham's example, believers are encouraged to make decisions, face trials, and live a separated life guided by prayer and dependence on God.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord appeared - In what way this appearance was made we know not; it was probably by the great angel of the covenant, Jesus the Christ. The appearance, whatsoever it was, perfectly satisfied Abram, and proved itself to be supernatural and Divine. It is worthy of remark that Abram is the first man to whom God is said to have shown himself or appeared: 1. In Ur of the Chaldees, Act 7:2; and 2. At the oak of Moreh, as in this verse. As מורה Moreh signifies a teacher, probably this was called the oak of Moreh or the teacher, because God manifested himself here, and instructed Abram concerning the future possession of that land by his posterity, and the dispensation of the mercy of God to all the families of the earth through the promised Messiah. See on Gen 15:7 (note).
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Here in Sichem Jehovah appeared to him, and assured him of the possession of the land of Canaan for his descendants. The assurance was made by means of an appearance of Jehovah, as a sign that this land was henceforth to be the scene of the manifestation of Jehovah. Abram understood this, "and there builded he an altar to Jehovah, who appeared to him," to make the soil which was hallowed by the appearance of God a place for the worship of the God who appeared to him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Unto thy seed will I give this land--God was dealing with Abram not in his private and personal capacity merely, but with a view to high and important interests in future ages. That land his posterity was for centuries to inhabit as a peculiar people; the seeds of divine knowledge were to be sown there for the benefit of all mankind; and considered in its geographical situation, it was chosen in divine wisdom as the fittest of all lands to serve as the cradle of a divine revelation designed for the whole world. and there builded he an altar unto the Lord--By this solemn act of devotion Abram made an open profession of his religion, established the worship of the true God, and declared his faith in the promise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared unto Abram,.... Perhaps in an human form, and so it was the Son of God; for whenever there was any visible appearance of a divine Person, under the former dispensation, it seems to be always of the essential Word, that was to be incarnate, and who spake with an articulate voice: and said, unto thy seed will I give this land; the whole of it inhabited by Canaanites and others; and it was for this end chiefly that Abram was called out of Chaldea into Canaan, to be shown the land, and have the grant of it for his posterity: and there builded an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him: by way of gratitude and thankfulness for his kind and gracious appearance, and for the gift of the land of Canaan to his offspring; for on this altar he no doubt offered sacrifice in a way of thanksgiving, as Noah did when he came out of the ark.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7 The Lord appeared to Abram at Shechem (12:6) to confirm that this land was the Promised Land. Israel was to occupy this land, but sharing in God’s promises required their faith (cp. Num 14; Josh 1:6-9). • to your descendants: Abram did not yet possess the land; he lived as a temporary settler.